English Reference

Word

unwise

Phoneticsun·wise, stress on the second syllable

US/ənˈwaɪz/

UK/ʌnwˈaɪz/

Definition

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.

Examples

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

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

“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.”

Examples

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.”

Usage

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

Etymology

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”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/unwise
English Reference