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

Etymology

Origin of inadvisable

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

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

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

Prof Fleming replied: "I would say it would be inadvisable, but if you have to then keep your baby inside your coat."

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2024

It’s a remarkable, perhaps inadvisable, schedule for someone who has faced down health difficulties She insists she feels great.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2022

Do the comets and asteroids think it inadvisable to impact an inhabited planet?

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan