reckless

adjective

reck·​less ˈre-kləs How to pronounce reckless (audio)
Synonyms of recklessnext
1
: marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences
2
: irresponsible
reckless charges
recklessly adverb
recklessness noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for reckless

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of reckless in a Sentence

He is a wild and reckless young man. He showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others. He spends money with reckless abandon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An arrest warrant was obtained for Lacy for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Torres is charged with arson and reckless endangerment, according to the FDNY. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025 Reinoso-Gallegos was arrested without incident and transported to Troop H where he was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle at too slow speed and second-degree reckless endangerment. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2025 In January, Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reckless

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reckless was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing reckless

Rhymes for reckless

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Browse Nearby Words

reckan
reckless
reckless driving
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reckless. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

reckless

adjective
reck·​less ˈrek-ləs How to pronounce reckless (audio)
: showing lack of caution : irresponsible, wild
recklessly adverb
recklessness noun

Legal Definition

reckless

adjective
reck·​less
: characterized by the creation of a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the lives, safety, or rights of others and by a conscious and sometimes wanton and willful disregard for or indifference to that risk that is a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise in like circumstances see also involuntary manslaughter at manslaughter, reckless homicide at homicide, recklessness compare careless
recklessly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reckless

Nglish: Translation of reckless for Spanish Speakers

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