Incautious: meaning, definitions and examples
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incautious
[ ɪnˈkɔːʃəs ]
behavioral trait
Incautious refers to someone who is not careful or cautious, often acting without thinking through the potential consequences of their actions. This lack of prudence can lead to mistakes or negative outcomes. Incautious individuals may take risks without fully considering their ramifications.
Synonyms
careless, hasty, impulsive, rash, reckless
Examples of usage
- His incautious decision to invest all his savings in one stock backfired.
- She made an incautious remark during the meeting that offended many.
- The incautious driver sped through the red light without checking for pedestrians.
- Incautious behavior in the workplace can result in safety hazards.
Word origin
The word 'incautious' is derived from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the Latin root 'cautiosus', which means 'careful' or 'cautious'. This root comes from 'cautus', the past participle of 'cavere', meaning 'to be on one's guard or beware'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe people or actions that lack caution or forethought. As society has evolved, the importance of being cautious has been emphasized in various contexts, from personal safety to financial decisions. The negative connotation of incautious behavior signifies a lack of wisdom or prudence in decision-making, both crucial traits in navigating daily life and responsibilities.