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Definitions

unwise

[uhn-wahyz] / ʌnˈwaɪz /
ADJECTIVE
stupid, irresponsible
Synonyms
STRONGEST
foolhardy foolish ill-advised ill-considered imprudent inappropriate misguided naive reckless silly thoughtless undesirable unfortunate unsound
WEAK
childish immature impolitic improvident inadvisable inane indiscreet inept injudicious rash senseless short-sighted unintelligent witless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careful cautious discreet prudent sensible serious thoughtful wise
WEAK
responsible sagacious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, moving is expensive, and it would be unwise to paint or make other permanent changes that will add to the already pricey experience of moving from one apartment to another.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Striking indiscriminately at critical infrastructure would be wrong as well as unwise, punishing the Iranian people we need on our side.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

It would be unwise to view Verstappen's remarks to BBC 5 Live pit-lane reporter Jennie Gow after the Japanese Grand Prix as primarily intended as leverage.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

A congressman from Illinois named Abraham Lincoln who was very hostile to what he thought was an unwise and illegal war with Mexico.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

Going to sleep while the Titan guarded you...she didn’t need to be a daughter of Athena to know that was one hundred percent unwise.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan