reckless
/'reklis/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characterized by a lack of proper care or caution; heedless of danger or consequences: Describes actions or behavior that show a careless disregard for potential harm, risk, or negative outcomes.
- Marked by unthinking boldness or rashness: Describes a defiant or foolish willingness to take unnecessary risks.
Usage
The word "reckless" is used to describe a person, their behavior, or an action that is dangerously careless and without consideration for the results. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying irresponsibility and a lack of foresight.
Examples
- Describing a person's nature:
- He was a reckless young man, always seeking thrills without a thought for his safety.
- Describing specific behavior or actions:
- The police charged him with reckless driving after he sped through the red light.
- Making such a large investment without research was a reckless decision.
- Used with prepositions:
- She was reckless of the dangers involved in the expedition. (Somewhat formal/literary)
- He acted reckless with his finances, spending all his savings.
Advanced Usage
- Legal and Formal Contexts: Often used in legal terminology (e.g., , ) to denote a severe degree of negligence.
- The company was sued for reckless disregard for public safety.
- Literary/Emphatic Use: Can be used for dramatic effect to criticize a severe lack of caution.
- His reckless ambition ultimately led to his downfall.
Variants and Related Words
- Recklessly (adverb): In a reckless manner.
- He spent his inheritance recklessly.
- Recklessness (noun): The quality or state of being reckless.
- His recklessness behind the wheel caused the accident.
Synonyms
- Rash: Acting too hastily without due consideration.
- Foolhardy: Unwisely bold or venturesome; daring in a foolish way.
- Heedless: Showing a reckless lack of care or attention.
- Imprudent: Not showing care for the consequences of an action; unwise.
- Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
Antonyms
- Cautious: Careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.
- Prudent: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
- Careful: Making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm.
- Responsible: Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- Reckless abandon: Behaving in a completely uncontrolled and careless way.
- They spent money with reckless abandon.
- (To be) reckless with...: To use or treat something without proper care.
- You shouldn't be so reckless with your health.
Adjective
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characterized by careless unconcern
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the heedless generosity and the spasmodic extravagance of persons used to large fortunes- Edith Wharton
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reckless squandering of public funds
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marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
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foolhardy enough to try to seize the gun from the hijacker
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became the fiercest and most reckless of partisans-Macaulay
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a reckless driver
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a rash attempt to climb Mount Everest
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