Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: reckless
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
“Prudent” characterizes someone who is careful, wise, and forethoughtful, especially in risk-taking and decision-making. The antonym should therefore indicate rashness or poor judgment. Such pairs are common in ethics, investing, and leadership assessments where risk appetite and caution are contrasted.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Two candidates directly oppose prudence: “reckless” (rash, heedless of risk) and “injudicious” (showing poor judgment). Of these, “reckless” is the sharper, everyday opposite of prudent in risk contexts, while “injudicious” is bookish and not always perfect antonymy in tone. Hence “reckless” best flips prudence in common usage.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “He is the most reckless person …” This neatly inverts the trait being praised. While “injudicious” also opposes “judicious,” it is less idiomatic as the primary antonym to “prudent.”
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Equating prudence only with long-term planning and picking “shortsighted.” Prudence is primarily about careful judgment and avoidance of undue risk, best opposed by “reckless.”
Final Answer:
reckless
Discussion & Comments