imprudence

American  

[im-prood-ns] / ɪmˈprud ns /

Rarely imprudency

noun

1. lack of wisdom or care in the management of practical or economic affairs.

   Your decisions demonstrate fiscal imprudence and shortsighted thinking.

2. lack of discretion or caution.

   The whistleblower learned of the scheme through the hiring executive's imprudence.

3. disregard for one’s own interests.

   His own imprudence and unreasonable conduct are what caused the second injury.

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Etymology

Origin of imprudence

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French, from Latin imprūdentia; see origin at in- ³ ( def. ), prudence

Explanation

Imprudence sometimes gets people in trouble, because it means a lack of care or thoughtfulness. The imprudence of not wearing your gloves in the winter might result in frostbite on your fingers. A person's imprudence is her tendency to rush headlong into decisions or actions without careful contemplation. Imprudence could lead a couple to get married just a week after meeting each other or a little girl to chase a run-away ball into a busy street. The Latin root word is imprudentem means "not forseeing, unaware, or inconsiderate."

Example Sentences

It should be noted the Imprudence has not been an infallible guide to the Guineas chances of Head-Maarek's horses.

From The Guardian • Apr. 27, 2010

Special Duty was beaten at odds-on when making her reappearance in the Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte this month, but Head-Maarek had anticipated an unimpressive performance.

From The Guardian • Apr. 27, 2010

“I hope not so. Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me.”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

This Success, and the Imprudence of their Conduct, brought great Complaints against them to the Government, and a Law was made to restrain them, both in Practice and Number.

From The Consolidator or, Memoirs of Sundry Transactions from the World in the Moon by Defoe, Daniel

A novel recently brought to light, L'Amour Masque, or as the author first called it, Imprudence et Bonheur, was written for her.

From Women in the Life of Balzac by Floyd, Juanita Helm