WordGarden.ioinadvisable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnədvˈaɪzəbəl/
US
- /ˌɪnædˈvaɪzəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
not wise or recommended because it may cause problems
Beyond the definition
If your friend suggests robbing a bank, following that advice would be inadvisable. It means something is foolish, risky, or likely to end badly. Think of it as the opposite of "wise" - a path you should not go down. Sometimes things are not strictly wrong, but they are still clearly not a good idea. A hike in a blizzard might be inadvisable, even if it is technically possible. Lawyers often use "inadvisable" when warning clients about legal trouble or other serious risks. It carries more weight than simply saying something is "not recommended."
The word inadvisable describes something that is unwise, imprudent, or not recommended, usually because it involves risk, difficulty, or a bad result. It is stronger than just saying something is "not a good idea" because it suggests there are clear reasons to avoid that choice.
Unlike "impossible," which means something can't be done, inadvisable means something could be done, but probably should not be. For example, attempting to climb Mount Everest without proper training would be highly inadvisable. That does not mean you physically could not try it; it means the risks are far too great.
You will often encounter "inadvisable" in formal contexts such as legal advice, medical recommendations, or financial planning. A lawyer might tell a client that pursuing a certain lawsuit is inadvisable because the evidence is weak. A doctor might warn that strenuous activity after surgery would be inadvisable because it could slow recovery.
It is also used when discussing potentially harmful behavior. "It would be inadvisable to drive after drinking alcohol" is not just a suggestion; it is a warning about serious consequences. Inadvisable implies that someone has thought carefully about the situation and decided that the possible harm outweighs any benefit.
Examples
- 1
Dangerous travel
It would be inadvisable to drive in this storm.
- 2
Budget planning
Given the budget cuts, hiring more staff now seems inadvisable.
- 3
Legal advice
Her lawyer said it was inadvisable for her to comment before the trial.
- Patterninadvisable for + person to do X
not a good idea for that person
- 4
Medical advice
At his age, a sudden return to full training would be medically inadvisable.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- inadvisableadjective