impolitic
/im'pɔlitik/ Cách viết khác : (unpolitic) /'ʌn'pɔlitik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not wise or prudent in practical matters; lacking good judgment, especially regarding what is appropriate or advantageous in a given situation. An "impolitic" action, statement, or approach is one that is ill-advised because it is likely to cause offense, difficulty, or negative consequences, often in social, political, or diplomatic contexts. It suggests a failure to consider the sensitivities or practical realities of a situation.
Usage
The adjective "impolitic" is typically used to describe actions, remarks, decisions, or behaviors. It is a formal word often found in analytical, political, or diplomatic writing. It is usually placed before a noun (e.g., an impolitic remark) or used after a linking verb like "was" or "seemed."
Examples
- Adjective:
- The minister's impolitic comments about the opposition party sparked a major controversy.
- It would be impolitic to discuss salary demands during the first interview.
- His impolitic handling of the merger negotiations alienated potential partners.
Advanced Usage
- "to be impolitic": used to state that a specific action or statement is unwise.
- While true, pointing out the CEO's error in the meeting was impolitic.
- "prove impolitic": used to indicate that a course of action turned out to be unwise.
- The strategy of confrontation quickly proved impolitic.
Variants and Related Words
- Impoliticly (adverb): in an impolitic manner.
- He impoliticly voiced his dissent before the agreement was finalized.
- Impoliticness (noun, rare): the quality of being impolitic.
- The impoliticness of the proposal was evident to everyone but its author.
Synonyms
- Injudicious: showing poor judgment; unwise.
- Imprudent: not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.
- Ill-advised: not sensible, wise, or considered.
- Tactless: having or showing a lack of skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
Antonyms
- Politic: (of an action) seeming sensible and judicious in the circumstances.
- Prudent: acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
- Diplomatic: skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people; tactful.
- Judicious: having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Commit an impolitic act": to do something that is very unwise in a given context.
- By publicly criticizing his allies, the senator committed a highly impolitic act.
- "Nothing could be more impolitic": used for strong emphasis on the poor judgment of something.
- At this delicate stage, nothing could be more impolitic than a threat of sanctions.
Adjective
- not politic
- an impolitic approach to a sensitive issue