inadvisable

American  

[in-uhd-vahy-zuh-buhl] / ˌɪn ədˈvaɪ zə bəl /

adjective

1. not advisable; inexpedient; unwise.

   Synonyms:

   risky, impolitic, imprudent

   Antonyms:

   expedient, prudent, advisable

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inadvisable British  

/ ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbəl /

adjective

1. not advisable; not recommended

2. unwise; imprudent

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Other Word Forms

• inadvisability
  noun
• inadvisableness
  noun
• inadvisably
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of inadvisable

First recorded in 1865–70; in- ³ + advisable

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Explanation

Something that's inadvisable is a pretty bad idea. It would be inadvisable to drive around town with your friend riding on the hood of your car. Things that are unwise or foolish can be described as inadvisable. It's inadvisable to dress your cat in doll clothes, or to jump off the roof of your shed into a pile of leaves. In both cases, the possibility of getting hurt outweighs the entertainment value. If you wouldn't advise a friend to do something, it's inadvisable.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inadvisable

Chinese President Xi Jinping said further hostilities in the Middle East is "inadvisable", calling for a "comprehensive" ceasefire, as he spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Beijing, state media reported.

From Barron's ● May 20, 2026

While it won’t kill you like some other vices, trying to quit this spiritually corrosive habit cold turkey is inadvisable.

From Salon ● Dec. 3, 2025

But the idea that any hot dog consumption is inadvisable isn’t supported by strong evidence.

From Slate ● Aug. 2, 2025

He will have the option to address the judge at his sentencing hearing though he is not required to do so, and some legal experts have said it would be inadvisable for him to speak.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 3, 2024

Doctors felt it was inadvisable to operate, so he was sent home with little hope of recovery.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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