unwise

[ uhn-wahyz ]

adjective

, more un·wise, most un·wise.

1. not wise; lacking in good sense or judgment; foolish; imprudent:

   an unwise choice;

   an unwise man.

unwise

/ ʌnˈwaɪz /

adjective

1. lacking wisdom or prudence; foolish

Derived Forms

• unˈwiseness, noun
• unˈwisely, adverb

Other Words From

• un·wise·ly adverb
• un·wise·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwise¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English unwis(e), unwisse, Old English unwīs “unwise, foolish, mad, insane”; un- ¹, wise ¹

Example Sentences

They also assert that a number of unwise exemptions—plus a lack of enforcement and public awareness—have limited the program’s effectiveness.

From Fortune

William Banks, professor at Syracuse University College of Law, said that sending uniformed troops to the polls, including the Guard, would be unwise.

From Fortune

It would be unwise for Democrats to end the filibuster assuming Republicans wouldn’t develop an agenda to take advantage of its absence.

From Vox

Even when it’s possible to estimate the risk, the authors still say it’s unwise to put too much faith in these predictions.

From Singularity Hub 

I think you could ask the question whether they’re really unwise or not.

From Freakonomics

When people accused of something make smart legal decisions, they are often also making very unwise public relations decisions.

From The Daily Beast

The internet was making us realize how pointless it was—or even unwise—to own things.

From The Daily Beast

But M. Picard advised me against it and even added that it would be unwise to keep the keys.

From The Daily Beast

If the demolition of capitalism is not practical, it might also be unwise.

From The Daily Beast

Robert Reich has complained of Obama's "unwise, unnecessary concessions."

From The Daily Beast

Wordsworth has illustrated how an unwise and importunate demand for a reason from a child may drive him into invention.

From Project Gutenberg

That she was unwise in assuming her own will so promptly, with little regard to consulting his, she might yet discover.

From Project Gutenberg

It is unwise and immoral to accept any important statement without proof.

From Project Gutenberg

Fifteen cents is the price, and many are palmed off on the unwise for the real imported article.

From Project Gutenberg

No, indeed, I shan't miss it, and you won't unless you're a bigger—I mean more unwise than I think you.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• foolhardy
• foolish
• ill-advised
• ill-considered
• imprudent
• inappropriate
• misguided
• naive
• reckless
• silly
• thoughtless
• undesirable
• unfortunate
• unsound