injudicious
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪndʒuːdˈɪʃəs/
US
- /ˌɪnˌdʒəˈdɪʃəs/
Description
- unwise
- thoughtless
- imprudent
- ill-advised
- hasty
If someone acts *injudiciously*, they have not used good judgment. It is more than a simple mistake. It suggests they did not think carefully enough, and that can lead to bad results. Imagine a politician making an off-the-cuff remark that seriously offends a large group of voters. That would be an injudicious statement. Or picture a friend sharing a secret after you clearly asked them not to. That is injudicious too. The word is often used for choices, remarks, or behavior that show poor judgment, especially in sensitive situations.
The word *injudicious* describes actions or statements that lack good judgment or foresight - they are unwise, thoughtless, and potentially harmful. It goes beyond simply being incorrect; it implies a failure to consider the likely consequences of one's behavior. Think of it as acting without fully thinking things through, often with results that could have been avoided with a bit of common sense.
The root of *injudicious* is the same as "judge" or "judicious," referring to the ability to weigh evidence and make a sound decision. Therefore, being injudicious is the literal opposite: it is the absence of that "judge-like" wisdom. It's a word often used when describing behavior in social or professional contexts where discretion and sensitivity are paramount.
You might describe someone as having an *injudicious* tongue if they frequently say things that offend others without realizing it. A business leader making a rash decision based on emotion rather than careful analysis could be accused of injudicious leadership. An injudicious remark can derail sensitive negotiations, while an injudicious investment can lead to significant financial loss.
Unlike simply being "wrong," *injudicious carries a stronger implication of poor discretion or a lack of maturity. It suggests that the person should have known better and acted with more prudence. While everyone makes mistakes, acting injudiciously* implies a pattern of thoughtlessness or a disregard for potential repercussions. Ultimately, the word highlights the vital importance of thinking carefully before speaking or acting.
Examples
- 1
Workplace comment
His injudicious comment about the layoffs upset the whole office.
- 2
Career decision
She made an injudicious decision to quit before finding another job.
- 3
Refund promise
It would be injudicious to promise a refund before we know what happened.
- 4
Political communication
The minister's injudicious use of social media kept pulling the government into new arguments.
- 5
Negotiations
At that point in the negotiations, any joke about money would have been injudicious.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- injudiciousadjective