unwise

adjective

un·​wise ˌən-ˈwīz How to pronounce unwise (audio)
Synonyms of unwisenext
: lacking wisdom or good sense : foolish, imprudent
an unwise decision
unwisely adverb

Synonyms of unwise

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Examples of unwise in a Sentence

It would be unwise to buy a house now. made the unwise decision to invest in a brand-new company
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Willis at times has shown an aversion for check-downs and instead has attempted riskier or unwise throws, something that happened multiple times in Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 Georgia’s early and mail votes, by race Even these comparisons can be unwise, however. — New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026 That certainty pushed them to do things unwise probably doesn’t go far enough to describe. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 Commanders should seek positional advantages without exhausting their soldiers, manipulate the enemy’s movements when possible, and recognize when circumstances make pursuit or attack unwise. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwise

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwise was before the 12th century

Rhymes for unwise

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Browse Nearby Words

unwisdom
unwise
unwiseness
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Cite this Entry

“Unwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwise. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unwise

adjective
un·​wise ˌən-ˈwīz How to pronounce unwise (audio)
ˈən-
: not wise : foolish
unwisely adverb
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