misguided

/ˈmɪsˌgaɪdɪd/

/misˈgaɪdɪd/

Other forms: misguidedly

A misguided decision is one that's made without good judgment and careful thought. It would be misguided to think you could write your entire term paper in one night, or to climb into the polar bear exhibit at the zoo for a better look at them.

Misguided is a polite way to say "a really dumb decision or belief." Your choice to go swimming in the ocean during a hurricane would definitely be considered misguided, and so would your decision to join the mountain climbing team if you are afraid of heights. Both are examples of unwise choices made after not enough deliberation. Misguided uses the prefix mis-, "bad or wrong," and guided, or "directed."

Definitions of misguided

1. adjective

   poorly conceived or thought out
   synonyms: ill-conceived, misbegotten

   foolish

   devoid of good sense or judgment
2. adjective

   wrong in opinion or judgment
   “well-meaning but misguided teachers”

   synonyms: mistaken

   wrong

   contrary to conscience or morality or law