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

He added that “containing China is unwise, unacceptable and bound to fail”.

From BBC

Noting that he had placed his interpretation of the law on the record, he wrote that “repeating misrepresentations of facts after previously being put on notice is …. unwise.”

From Los Angeles Times

Still, it seems unwise because, in the process, they are running off the more reliable female voters.

From Salon

The press is unwise to take it as a literal description of an immigrant who is living and working without proper documentation.

From Salon

So it would be unwise to conclude that it simply can't happen.

From Salon

Related Words

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