prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s 

1

: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2

: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs

3

: skill and good judgment in the use of resources

4

: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

Synonyms

• alertness
• care
• carefulness
• caution
• cautiousness
• chariness
• circumspection
• gingerliness
• guardedness
• heedfulness
• wariness

Examples of prudence in a Sentence

He always exercises prudence with his finances.

advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance

Recent Examples on the Web

That prudence paid off earlier this week when China’s DeepSeek unveiled its free AI open-source technology. —Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025

For decades afterward, the 1984 defeat revived Liberal prudence: Don’t overdo things. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025

Businesses should exercise prudence when assigning projects that demand creativity, expert judgment, or the creation of high-stakes content. —Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

This is a win-win for financial prudence and the environment. —Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at providence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2

: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs

Legal Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊns 

: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

a person of ordinary prudence