Prudent

adjective · SAT

Meaning: Acting with care and good judgment, especially by thinking ahead about risks.

Examples

Given the uncertain forecast, the expedition leader judged it prudent to turn back before reaching the summit.
Economists described the city's habit of building a reserve fund during good years as prudent.

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms:

wisesensiblecautiousjudicious

Antonyms:

recklessrashimprudent

Memory tip

Prudent comes from the same Latin root as "provident," meaning foreseeing. A prudent person looks ahead.

Practice question

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

With little evidence yet about the drug's long-term effects, the panel considered it ______ to approve it only for limited use while further studies continue.