Definition

1. 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

1. not politic
   • an impolitic approach to a sensitive issue