improvident

American  

[im-prov-i-duhnt] / ɪmˈprɒv ɪ dənt /

adjective

1. not provident; lacking foresight; incautious; unwary.

   Synonyms:

   heedless, imprudent, careless, thoughtless

   Antonyms:

   prudent

2. neglecting to provide for future needs.

   Synonyms:

   prodigal, wasteful, unthrifty, thriftless, shiftless

   Antonyms:

   economical

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improvident British  

/ ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt /

adjective

1. not provident; thriftless, imprudent, or prodigal

2. heedless or incautious; rash

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Other Word Forms

• improvidence noun
• improvidently adverb

Etymology

Origin of improvident

First recorded in 1505–15; im- ² + provident

Example Sentences

Jon Provost played Timmy, a well-intentioned but improvident child who often finds himself in life-threatening situations that require Lassie to alert his folks and guide them to him.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

If you should be so improvident as to kick it hard, the engine will come to full strength at the speed of thought.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

“They’re saying, ‘You’re making an improvident business decision that potentially undermines your ability to compete effectively.’

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2022

She did quit her job to take care of him, but they were improvident and did not buy long-term care insurance.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2021

The improvident seamen had not only burned one boat, but even the boards under their sleeping-robes.

From True Tales of Arctic Heroism in the New World by Greely, Adolphus W.