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unwisely

C2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌnwˈaɪzli/

US

  • /ənˈwaɪzli/

Description

To act unwisely means to make a choice without good judgment or without thinking far enough ahead. It is what happens when someone does something they probably should not do and may regret later. Imagine a character in a story who ignores every warning and walks alone into a dark forest. That character is acting unwisely. The word usually points to poor judgment, not bad intent.

You might unwisely trust a stranger with your house keys or unwisely spend a whole month's rent on one night of celebration. The opposite is wisely, which means making careful, thoughtful choices. In stories, when someone acts unwisely, it often signals that trouble is coming.

Examples

  1. 1

    Personal finance

    He spent his savings unwisely and had nothing left for rent.

  2. 2

    Legal agreement

    She unwisely agreed to sign the contract without reading it first.

  3. 3

    Business meeting

    He spoke unwisely in the meeting and offended two clients.

  4. 4

    Consumer assumptions

    Many buyers unwisely assume that a higher price always means better quality.

  5. 5

    Public policy

    The government acted unwisely by cutting training programs during a labor shortage.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unwiselyadverb