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unwise

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ənˈwaɪz// UK //ʌnwˈaɪz// un·wise

adj. not sensible or smart. You use this to describe a choice or action that will likely cause problems later.

adj. lacking in sensible judgment or prudence; likely to result in misfortune or failure. Often used to describe decisions, investments, or behaviors rather than people directly.


SIMPLE

It is unwise to leave your car unlocked in the city.

CONTEXTUAL

The board decided it would be unwise to expand the business during such an unstable economic period.

COMPLEX

While the initial offer seemed lucrative, the legal team warned that signing the contract without a termination clause would be an extremely unwise move for the long-term health of the firm.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English unwis, from Old English unwīs (“unwise, foolish, ignorant, uninformed, insane”), equivalent to un- + wise. Cognate with Dutch onwijs (“unwise”), German unweise (“unwise”), Danish uvis (“unwise”), Swedish ovis (“unwise”), Icelandic óvís (“unwise”).

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'appear'. Frequently used with an infinitive phrase ('unwise to do something').

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