impulsive
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmpˈʌlsɪv/
US
- /ˌɪmˈpəlsɪv/
Description
- acts without thinking
- driven by sudden urges
- rash
- quick to react
Imagine you're walking past a bakery, not hungry at all, but suddenly you have to buy that chocolate eclair. That's what being impulsive is like. An impulsive person acts on sudden feelings or wants without stopping to think carefully about what might happen next. It's like your brain says, "Do it now!" before the calmer part has time to speak.
Sometimes this can lead to fun moments, like booking a last-minute trip. Other times, it can cause problems, like saying something you later regret. Being impulsive is not always bad, but it often means choosing what feels good right away instead of thinking ahead. Think of a child grabbing a cookie before dinner; that's an impulsive act.
The word impulsive describes a person or action that is guided by sudden urges, feelings, or wants rather than careful thought. An impulsive person often reacts quickly and does not fully consider the results first. For example, "He made an impulsive purchase of a vintage motorcycle he couldn't afford" shows someone acting fast without thinking through the cost.
The word often has a slightly negative feel because an impulsive action may be unwise or lead to regret. Still, it is not always harmful. Sometimes it can lead to exciting, creative, or spontaneous moments. An "impulsive decision" is not always a bad decision; it simply means the choice was made quickly, without much time spent thinking it over.
This kind of behavior is often linked with risk-taking or thrill-seeking, but it can also appear in certain mental health conditions where self-control is harder to manage. In those cases, being impulsive can become more serious and more harmful.
You might call someone an impulsive person if they often act before thinking things through. You can also say that someone behaved impulsively in one particular moment. The main idea is that an immediate feeling or reaction takes over before careful planning does. So whether it's a sudden road trip or a regrettable outburst, being impulsive is all about acting in the moment before thought has fully caught up.
Examples
- 1
Sudden decision
She made an impulsive decision and bought the tickets that night.
- 2
Personality
He's smart, but he can be impulsive when he gets excited.
- 3
Digital messages
Posting that message right away was an impulsive move.
- 4
Spending
I try not to be impulsive with money when things are on sale.
Pattern
be impulsive with money
spend without planning carefully
- 5
Job decision
Quitting your job after one bad meeting would be impulsive.
- 6
Social behavior
Her friends love her energy, but they know she can be a little impulsive.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- impulsivenounadjective
Forms
- impulsivespluralnounadjective