prudential

UK: /pruːˈdɛnʃəl/ US: /pruˈdɛnʃəl/ ,(pro̅o̅ den′shəl)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pru•den•tial  (pro̅o̅ den′shəl), adj. 

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or resulting from prudence.
2. exercising prudence.
3. having discretionary or advisory authority, as in business matters.

• Latin prūdenti(a) prudence + -al¹
• 1635–45;

pru•den′tial•ly, adv. 
pru•den′tial•ness, pru•den•ti•al•i•ty  (pro̅o̅ den′shē al′i tē), n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

prudential / pruːˈdɛnʃəl/ adjective

1. characterized by or resulting from prudence
2. exercising prudence or sound judgment

pruˈdentially adverb

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pru•dent /ˈprudənt/   adj. 

1. wise in practical affairs; thinking carefully before acting;
   sensible.
2. careful in providing for the future:
   prudent saving.

pru•den•tial /pruˈdɛnʃəl/  adj. 
pru•dent•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pru•dent  (pro̅o̅d′nt), adj. 

1. wise or judicious in practical affairs;
   sagacious;
   discreet or circumspect;
   sober.
2. careful in providing for the future;
   provident:
   a prudent decision.

• Latin prūdent- (stem of prūdēns), contraction of prōvidēns provident
• Middle English 1350–1400

pru′dent•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. sensible.
• 2. economical, thrifty, frugal.