imprudence

[ 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

Example Sentences

Even Mr. Rove is not so intellectually dishonest, so brazenly hypocritical as to accuse anyone else of fiscal imprudence.

From The Daily Beast

A certain fired-up imprudence was present from the beginning—sailing across the Atlantic in the early 17th century?

From The Daily Beast

He attributes much to the imprudence, or imbecility of the enemy, whose plan of saving an army he likens to Sterne's marble sheet.

From Project Gutenberg

Had the imprudence to preach against the Huguenots, and with so much success that the king wanted to put him in prison.

From Project Gutenberg

Still more yellow than usual, Hemerlingue internally accused himself of clumsiness and imprudence.

From Project Gutenberg

Often remonstrated with for his imprudence in exposing himself to the heavy night-dew he would listen to no advice.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, go and carry comfort to thy friends, And wisely tell them thy imprudence ends.

From Project Gutenberg