WordGarden.ioimpulsiveness
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmpˈʌlsɪvnəs/
US
- /ɪmpˈʌlsɪvnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the tendency to act suddenly without much thought or self-control
Beyond the definition
Imagine a puppy seeing a squirrel - it just goes! That's a lot like impulsiveness. It means a person tends to act on sudden feelings or wants without stopping to think about what might happen next. Sometimes this leads to fun or exciting moments, but it can also cause problems. A person with a lot of impulsiveness might buy something they do not need, say something too quickly, or make a fast choice that they later regret. A little of it can make life feel lively, but too much can create trouble.
Impulsiveness describes the tendency to act on sudden urges and desires without careful thought or planning. It is more than just being spontaneous; it often includes weak self-control, trouble waiting, and not fully considering the possible consequences.
Think of someone who often interrupts conversations, makes hasty money decisions, or changes plans at the last minute - these can all be signs of impulsiveness. Everyone has impulsive moments from time to time, but when it happens often, it can be connected to certain personality traits or conditions such as ADHD.
The context matters a lot. A little impulsiveness might lead to a fun weekend road trip, but a stronger pattern of it can harm relationships, finances, or work. It is often contrasted with thoughtfulness and self-control. You might say someone "acted on impulse," meaning they did not think it through. Or you might describe a person as impulsive, showing that it is a regular part of their behavior.
Impulsiveness is not necessarily the same as being reckless or irresponsible, though those can be results. It is more about the process of acting first and thinking later. Understanding impulsiveness in yourself or others can help you handle its possible benefits and drawbacks, and build habits that lead to more careful choices.
Examples
- 1
Workplace trouble
His impulsiveness often gets him into trouble at work.
- 2
Sudden action
In a moment of impulsiveness, she sent the email before calming down.
- Phrasein a moment of impulsiveness
because of a sudden unplanned feeling
- 3
Regretful purchase
He bought the car out of pure impulsiveness and regretted it later.
- Patternout of impulsiveness
because of impulsiveness
- 4
Investing
Good investors learn to control their impulsiveness when the market is moving fast.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Teen research
The report linked impulsiveness in teenagers to lack of sleep.
See also
Similar
- impetuousness
- rashness
- recklessness
Shades of meaning
- spontaneity
- hotheadedness
Contrast
- self-control
- deliberation
Do not confuse
- compulsiveness
Used with (collocations)
- act impulsively
- trait impulsiveness
- impulsiveness and risk-taking
Word family
Explore
- self-regulation
- inhibition
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- impulsivenessnoun