Imprudence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imprudence

[ɪmˈpruːdəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lack of caution

Imprudence is the quality of being unwise or lacking in good judgment. It refers to the tendency to act without thinking about the possible consequences of one's actions.

Synonyms

foolishness, rashness, recklessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imprudence	Imprudence usually refers to a lack of wisdom or good judgment, often more in formal or written contexts. His imprudence in handling the company's finances led to serious consequences. She regretted her imprudence in trusting him with such a sensitive task.
recklessness	Recklessness usually involves a blatant disregard for safety or responsibility, and is typically used in a very negative sense. His recklessness while driving is likely to get him into an accident. The company's recklessness in ignoring environmental regulations led to a huge fine.
foolishness	Foolishness is more commonly used in everyday language to describe silly or unwise actions. It often implies a lack of intelligence or thought. He couldn’t believe his own foolishness in leaving the keys inside the car. Her foolishness got her into trouble again.
rashness	Rashness is often used to describe hasty and reckless actions without considering the consequences. It has a slightly negative connotation. His rashness caused the entire plan to fail. She acted with rashness and decided to quit her job without any alternative.

Examples of usage

She showed great imprudence by investing all her savings in a risky business venture.
His imprudence led to a series of unfortunate events that could have been avoided with more careful planning.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

act of being impulsive

Imprudence can also refer to the act of being impulsive or making decisions without careful consideration. It often leads to hasty actions that one may regret later.

Synonyms

carelessness, hastiness, impetuousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
imprudence	Often refers to a lack of wisdom or good judgment, particularly in making decisions that could have significant consequences. His imprudence in business matters eventually led to the company's bankruptcy. Showing imprudence, she spent all her savings without considering future needs.
impetuousness	Describes actions or decisions made with little thought, driven by sudden emotion or impulse. It often suggests a spontaneous, energetic nature, which may lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Her impetuousness led her to quit her job without having a new one lined up. The impetuousness of youth can sometimes lead to reckless choices.
hastiness	Refers to acting too quickly without adequate thought or preparation, and can result in poor outcomes. Often implies rushing into actions or decisions. His hastiness in making decisions often got him into trouble. Due to their hastiness, the team overlooked several critical details.
carelessness	Describes a failure to pay attention or give proper care, generally resulting in mistakes or accidents. It often implies a negligence towards details or responsibilities. Her carelessness with the documents led to the loss of important information. He failed the exam due to carelessness, not because he didn't know the material.

Examples of usage

Her imprudence in quitting her job without another lined up left her in a difficult financial situation.
The company suffered from the imprudence of its CEO in making quick decisions without consulting the board.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Impulsive decisions often stem from a moment of imprudence, affecting one's long-term outcomes.
Studies suggest that younger individuals may exhibit more imprudence, often due to underdeveloped judgment skills.

Literature

Characters in classic literature, like in Shakespeare's works, often face dire consequences because of their imprudence.
Fables frequently showcase imprudent animals that learn hard lessons from their mistakes.

Pop Culture

Many movies feature plot twists where a character’s imprudence leads to unexpected and often humorous consequences.
Reality TV often highlights imprudence, showing how rash decisions can create drama and conflict.

Ethics

Imprudence is often discussed in ethical debates, especially regarding how short-sighted decisions can harm others.
Philosophers have long warned against imprudent actions, arguing they lead to regret and negative repercussions.

Origin of 'imprudence'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'imprudentia,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'prudentia' means 'wisdom.'
In Middle English, 'imprudent' was used to describe someone who lacked foresight or judgment.

The word 'imprudence' originated in the late 18th century from the combination of 'im-' meaning 'not' and 'prudence' meaning 'wisdom or caution'. It has been used in English literature to describe the lack of wisdom or foresight in decision-making.