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reckless

adjective
reck·​less | \ ˈre-klÉ™s How to pronounce reckless (audio) \

Definition of reckless

1 : marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences
2 : irresponsible reckless charges
Other Words from reckless Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reckless

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Other Words from reckless

recklessly adverb
recklessness noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Day was generally pleased with how Fields stayed in against three-man pressure without making reckless throws into traffic. — Nathan Baird, cleveland.com, "Why a Justin Fields incompletion made Ohio State coach Ryan Day so happy," 3 Sep. 2019 Environmental advocates and Democratic lawmakers called the rollback reckless. — Cathy Bussewitz, The Denver Post, "EPA moves to revoke rules on oil industry methane leaks," 29 Aug. 2019 Environmental advocates and Democratic lawmakers called the rollback reckless. — Washington Post, "EPA moves to revoke rules on oil industry methane leaks," 29 Aug. 2019 In addition to assault, reckless endangerment and menacing, Blake was charged with disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana and careless driving. — Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, "Woman Accused of Attacking Pregnant Driver For Cutting Her Off at Chick-Fil-A Drive-Thru," 27 Aug. 2019 Brannon was arrested on charges of operating under the influence, reckless endangerment and child neglect. — Matt Tunseth, Anchorage Daily News, "APD: Man speeding on Glenn Highway with child in his vehicle was driving while impaired," 27 Aug. 2019 The man arrested in a deadly car crash Monday in Southeast Portland faces accusations of manslaughter, reckless driving and driving under the influence, police say. — oregonlive.com, "Man accused of DUII in deadly SE Portland crash," 13 Aug. 2019 The South Korean government — which has called Tokyo's trade restrictions reckless — confirmed on Thursday that Japanese companies had received the green light to ship one of the chemicals. — Sherisse Pham, CNN, "Japan resumes exports of chemicals South Korea's chipmakers need. But tensions remain," 8 Aug. 2019 The Peter Pan bus driver, 49-year-old Wendy Helena Alberty, was booked on suspicion of unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and breach of peace, Connecticut state police said. — David K. Li, NBC News, "Passenger calls 911 from inside luggage compartment of moving bus, driver arrested," 5 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reckless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of reckless

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

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More Definitions for reckless

reckless

adjective
How to pronounce reckless (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of reckless

: not showing proper concern about the possible bad results of your actions

See the full definition for reckless in the English Language Learners Dictionary

reckless

adjective
reck·​less | \ ˈre-klÉ™s How to pronounce reckless (audio) \

Kids Definition of reckless

: showing lack of caution : engaging in wild careless behavior

Other Words from reckless

recklessly adverb
recklessness noun

reckless

adjective
reck·​less

Legal Definition of reckless

: 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

Other Words from reckless

recklessly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on reckless

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with reckless

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reckless

Spanish Central: Translation of reckless

Nglish: Translation of reckless for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of reckless for Arabic Speakers

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