Imprudent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imprudent

[ษชmหˆpruหdnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.

Synonyms

careless, foolhardy, heedless, reckless.

Examples of usage

  • It was imprudent of him to invest all his savings in such a risky venture.
  • Her imprudent decision to drive while intoxicated led to a serious accident.
Context #2 | Adjective

speech

Lacking discretion; incautious; rash.

Synonyms

indiscreet, injudicious, thoughtless, unwise.

Examples of usage

  • His imprudent remarks offended many people at the party.
  • It was imprudent of her to gossip about her colleagues.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals who are imprudent often struggle with predicting future consequences of their actions.
  • Imprudent behavior is sometimes linked to impulsivity, where quick decisions are made without taking time to think.
  • Cognitive biases can play a role in imprudent decision-making, leading people to ignore certain risks.

Literature

  • Characters who display imprudent behavior often face significant challenges or downfall in stories, such as in Shakespeare's tragedies.
  • Fables and moral tales frequently feature imprudent characters to teach lessons about the importance of foresight and caution.
  • The notion of imprudence often reflects human flaws, making characters more relatable and their journeys more compelling.

Finance

  • Imprudent financial decisions can lead to significant debt or loss, serving as a cautionary tale for investors and consumers alike.
  • In economics, imprudent lending practices contributed to major financial crises, showing the real-world impacts of unwise decisions.
  • Prudent financial planning focuses on risk assessment, contrasting with more impulsive spending habits.

Pop Culture

  • Various films depict imprudent characters who often act without thinking, leading to comedic or dramatic consequences.
  • Reality TV often highlights imprudent choices, as contestants face unexpected outcomes from rash actions.
  • Social media culture can encourage imprudent behavior, where individuals post without considering the long-term effects of their online presence.

Origin of 'imprudent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imprudentis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'prudentis' means 'wise' or 'careful'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, highlighting a shift in how people viewed decision-making.
  • Related words include 'prudent', which means careful about one's actions and their potential results.

The word 'imprudent' originated from the Latin word 'imprudens', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'prudens' (wise). It first appeared in the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of imprudence has been discussed in various philosophical and ethical contexts, highlighting the importance of thoughtful decision-making and consideration of consequences.


See also: prudence.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,838, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.