improvidence

noun

im·​prov·​i·​dence (ˌ)im-ˈprä-və-dən(t)s How to pronounce improvidence (audio)
-ˌden(t)s
: the quality or state of being improvident

Examples of improvidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Two key factors in the SVB disaster can’t be overlooked: The incompetence of the bank’s management and the improvidence of its customers. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2023 Christina Stead gives an unflinching portrait of her own childhood, dominated by improvidence, quarrels and violence—and a crazed, buccaneering idealist of a father who both adores and exploits his ever-increasing brood of children. Marina Warner, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2022 Some of them cheered for the development of natural resources, and some of them expressed dismay over the waste, improvidence, and disruption that progress unleashed. Patty Limerick, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improvidence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvidence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near improvidence

Cite this Entry

“Improvidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvidence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

improvidence

noun
im·​prov·​i·​dence (ˈ)im-ˈpräv-əd-ən(t)s How to pronounce improvidence (audio)
-ə-ˌden(t)s
: the quality or state of being improvident

More from Merriam-Webster on improvidence

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