imprudence

Rarely im·pru·den·cy

[im-prood-ns]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprudence¹

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