Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Improvident"

Podcast Release Date: November 9, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)

Overview

This episode spotlights the word “improvident,” delving into its meaning, usage, and cultural references. Listeners learn how “improvident” describes a lack of foresight or preparation—especially relating to finances, but also in other areas of life. The episode uses literary and real-world examples to illustrate the word’s nuances and helps listeners understand situations where “improvident” is appropriately applied.

Key Discussion Points

Definition and Usage

• [00:42] The host introduces “improvident” as an adjective spelled I-M-P-R-O-V-I-D-E-N-T.
• It is a formal word, meaning someone or something does not foresee or provide for the future, especially regarding money.
• Can describe relationships, habits, or practices that are financially unwise or impractical:

  “An improvident relationship, habit or practice is financially unwise or impractical.”

Contemporary Example

• Cited from The New Yorker, the episode notes the problem of food waste in affluent countries:
  • [01:06] “The problem is worst in affluent countries like the US where more than 200 pounds of food per person get thrown away each year… Then there's the waste that results from improvident eating habits.”
• The host explains that “improvident” here describes unwise or careless actions—not planning ahead with food, which results in waste.

Classic Literary References

• [01:56] Aesop’s Fable: The Ant and the Grasshopper

  • The grasshopper, who spends the summer singing and dancing, is contrasted with the industrious ant.
  • Quote: “The grasshopper could certainly be called improvident. He spends all summer singing and dancing, while the ant works hard to prepare for winter by storing food and at the end of the short tale is cold and starving.”

• [02:18] Beatrix Potter: The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies

  • The Flopsy bunnies are described as “very improvident and cheerful.”
  • The host notes improvidence can occur with things like time or food, not just money.

Extended Application

• Emphasizes that while the term often applies to financial irresponsibility today, “one can be improvident with other things, such as time or food, even happily.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:25] “The word improvident describes someone's actions or habits as being unwise with regard to saving or providing for the future.” – Peter Sokolowski
• [01:56] “The grasshopper could certainly be called improvident... at the end... is cold and starving.” – Peter Sokolowski
• [02:18] “They were very improvident and cheerful.” – Beatrix Potter (via Peter Sokolowski)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:42: Introduction of “improvident” and its definition
• 01:06: Example from The New Yorker on food waste
• 01:56: Reference to Aesop’s fable
• 02:18: Reference to Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies

Tone and Language

• The tone is instructive, engaging, and laced with literary wit.
• Quotes are delivered in Peter Sokolowski’s clear and friendly style.

Summary

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day teaches listeners about the word “improvident”—providing clear definitions, examples from both journalism and literature, and explaining how the word’s meaning extends beyond money to other forms of thoughtless or short-sighted behavior. Listeners are encouraged to consider their own habits through thought-provoking stories and memorable literary references.