'imprudence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imprudentia,' where 'im-' meant 'not' and 'prudentia' meant 'foresight or wisdom.'

'imprudentia' transformed into the Old French word 'imprudence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'imprudence.'

Initially, it meant 'lack of foresight or wisdom,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.