Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking a sense of responsibility; not reliable or trustworthy: Describes a person, action, or attitude that does not consider or accept the proper consequences of their behavior.
   • Not answerable to a higher authority for one's actions: Describes a state or condition where one is not held accountable.

Usage

The adjective "irresponsible" is used to characterize behavior, decisions, or people that fail to act with appropriate care, forethought, or obligation. It implies a blameworthy neglect of duty or consequence. - It typically precedes a noun (e.g., irresponsible behavior) or follows a linking verb like be, seem, or act (e.g., He was irresponsible). - It often carries a strong negative judgment.

Examples

• Describing a person:
  • Leaving the children alone was an irresponsible act.
  • He is too irresponsible to manage a budget.
• Describing an action or decision:
  • The company's irresponsible dumping of chemicals polluted the river.
  • Making promises you can't keep is irresponsible.

Advanced Usage

• "Irresponsible of (someone)": This structure is used to assign the quality of irresponsibility to a specific agent regarding an action.
  • It was terribly irresponsible of the journalist to publish unverified claims.
• "Irresponsible toward(s)": Can be used to indicate the object of the neglected responsibility.
  • She was irresponsible toward her financial obligations.

Variants and Related Words

• Irresponsibly (adverb): In a manner lacking responsibility.
  • He spent the money irresponsibly.
• Irresponsibility (noun): The quality or state of being irresponsible.
  • The accident was a result of sheer irresponsibility.

Synonyms

• Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
• Reckless: Without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action.
• Negligent: Failing to take proper care in doing something.
• Unreliable: Not able to be relied upon.

Antonyms

• Responsible: Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone.
• Accountable: Required or expected to justify actions or decisions.
• Dependable: Trustworthy and reliable.
• Conscientious: Wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Act/behave irresponsibly: To conduct oneself without proper regard for responsibility.
  • The celebrity was criticized for acting irresponsibly in public.
• Irresponsible accusation/charge: A claim made without proper evidence or consideration for its impact.
  • The politician dismissed the claims as irresponsible accusations.

Adjective

1. showing lack of care for consequences
   • behaved like an irresponsible idiot
   • hasty and irresponsible action