impulsivity

American  

[im-puhl-siv-i-tee] / ɪmˌpʌlˈsɪv ɪ ti /

Also impulsiveness

noun

1. the quality of being easily swayed by emotional or involuntary urges or by momentary desires, without weighing them rationally.

   Insufficient sleep may increase the potential for risk-taking by compromising decision-making and increasing impulsivity.

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Other Word Forms

• nonimpulsiveness noun
• nonimpulsivity noun

Etymology

Origin of impulsivity

impulsiv(e) ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Dementia tends to be thought of mostly as a memory-loss disease, but there are many other aspects, including disorientation, difficulty balancing, poor coordination, trouble multitasking, confusion, wandering, apathy, irritability, impulsivity, poor judgment, and social inappropriateness.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

Many of us suffer from cognitive impulsivity, or a difficulty with pausing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

If you decide to retire abroad, impulsivity works against you.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 31, 2025

Mr Bowen highlighted that one treatment for the condition, a medication called dexamphetamine, acts by reducing impulsivity, improving emotional regulation, blocking out "mental noise and distraction" and improving concentration.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

There are many biological influences of psychological traits such as cognitive ability, conscientiousness, impulsivity, and risk aversion.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker