Meaning & Definition of word "Unwise"

Unwise

/ʌnˈwaɪz/

adjective:

  • 1. lacking good sense or judgment; imprudent.
    • Example: It was unwise to invest all his savings in a single stock.
  • 2. not showing wisdom or thoughtfulness.
    • Example: Choosing to drive without a seatbelt is unwise behavior.
  • 3. not advisable; risky.
    • Example: Her decision to quit her job without another one lined up was unwise.
  • 4. foolish or lacking foresight.
    • Example: Engaging in such reckless activities is unwise.

Etymology

The word 'unwise' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'wise', which comes from the Old English 'wis', meaning 'sensible' or 'knowledgeable'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a foolish move:

An action that demonstrates a lack of wisdom.

bad decision:

A choice that is widely considered to be unwise.

not the brightest idea:

An expression indicating that something is unwise.

Related Words

foolhardy:

Showing a lack of care about danger or the consequences of actions.

naive:

Lacking experience, wisdom, or judgment.

impetuous:

Acting quickly and rashly without thought.

Slang Meanings of unwise

Meaning: Not smart

Example Sentence: Skipping class is pretty unwise; it's just not smart.

Meaning: Dumb move

Example Sentence: Investing in that failing company was a dumb move.