improvident

Improvident is an adjective used to describe someone or something characterized by a lack of foresight or thrift. It suggests a tendency to act without careful planning or consideration for the future, often leading to a waste of resources or a failure to prepare for potential needs.

Someone described as improvident might be prone to spending money impulsively without saving for emergencies or future goals. This behavior can manifest as a general carelessness with financial matters or a failure to make provisions for the long term. In a broader sense, improvident can also apply to actions or decisions that are not well-thought-out and may have negative consequences down the line. For instance, an improvident policy might fail to address underlying issues and instead create new problems. The opposite of improvident is provident, which describes someone who is thrifty, makes careful plans, and is prepared for the future. The concept of improvidence highlights the importance of planning and responsible resource management.