imprudent, a. (n.)
(ɪmˈpruːdənt)
[ad. L. imprūdēns, imprūdēnt-em, f. im- (im-2) + prūdēns, contracted from prōvidēns, pres. pple. of prōvidēre to see before one, provide: see prudent. Cf. F. imprudent (15–16th c. in Hatz.-Darm.).]
Not prudent, wanting in prudence or discretion; the reverse of prudent; rash, heedless, indiscreet, incautious. a. Of persons.
| c 1386 Chaucer Man of Law's T. 211 Imprudent Emperour of Rome allas Was ther no philosophre in al thy toun? 1541 R. Copland Galyen's Terapeut. 2 D j, O foole and imprudent Thessalus. 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VII 46 He and his imprudent counsayll were fully resolved on this poincte. 1710 Norris Chr. Prud. ii. 71 Imprudent men are call'd Fools. 1893 Tanner Steps Princ. Agric. (ed. 2) 61 We are not so imprudent..as to destroy the bees that work for us. |
b. Of conduct, actions, etc.
| 1599 Hakluyt Voy. II. 35 (R.) Thus by the imprudent and foolish hardines of the French earle, the Frenchmen were discomfited. 1660 R. Coke Power & Subj. 15 Loss for the folly of imprudent actions. 1745 De Foe's Eng. Tradesman (1841) I. vii. 53 Nothing can be more imprudent and impolitic, as it regards himself and his family. 1827 D. Johnson Ind. Field Sports 10 note, When the rivers are..rising, it would be imprudent to venture into them. |
c. rarely with of.
| 1750 Akenside Odes ii. iv, Not imprudent of my loss to come. |
† B. n. An imprudent person. Obs.
| 1753 L. M. tr. Du Boscq's Accompl. Wom. I. 29 [It] is ever in the mouth of these Imprudents. 1767 Woman of Fashion I. 244 The little Imprudent—How could I expect a Miracle! |
Hence imˈprudentness, imprudence (Bailey vol. II, 1727).