regardless

adjective

re·gard·less | \ ri-ˈgärd-ləs

Definition of regardless

(Entry 1 of 2)

: heedless, careless

regardless

adverb

Definition of regardless (Entry 2 of 2)

: despite everything went ahead with their plans regardless

Other Words from regardless Synonyms When Should You Use regardless? More Example Sentences Learn More about regardless

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for regardless

Synonyms: Adverb

anyhow, anyway, anyways [chiefly dialect], whatever

When Should You Use regardless?

Adverb

Regardless is rather simply derived from the noun regard (meaning "attention" or "concern") plus -less - nothing too shocking about that. But poor regardless became embroiled in a usage scandal through no fault of its own when people began using irregardless as its synonym (probably blending irrespective and regardless). Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century, and usage commentators have been decrying it since the 1920s, often declaring "there is no such word." Irregardless does exist, of course, but it tends to be used primarily in speech and it is still considered nonstandard. Regardless is greatly preferred.

Examples of regardless in a Sentence

Adverb

the weather looked bad, but they were resolved to go on with their picnic regardless

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Then façade plaster and paint are layered on enough times to make the stage waterproof for a year—though Urstadt says regardless, regular maintenance has to be done. — Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, "There’s a Massive Jester Floating on Austria’s Lake Constance," 15 July 2019 Even if the Caps and Vegas Golden Knights play multiple overtime periods, the additional northbound train will leave an hour postgame regardless. — baltimoresun.com, "Digest: Osaka, Tiafoe among rising stars set to play at Citi Open in D.C.," 30 May 2018 So regardless, Smith would still be out of coaching. — Doug Lesmerises, cleveland.com, "Urban Meyer could have let Zach Smith go to Alabama .... but otherwise Ohio State documents don’t change much: Doug Lesmerises," 3 Aug. 2019 Many human rights advocates say that regardless, the government has an obligation to allow people to seek asylum. — Dara Lind, ProPublica, "Asylum-Seekers Who Followed Trump Rule Now Don’t Qualify Because of New Trump Rule," 22 July 2019 But regardless, better surveillance systems are needed to look for fungal infections like C. auris, authors said. — Jen Christensen, CNN, "Climate crisis might be behind the rise of mysterious superbug C. auris, study suggests," 23 July 2019 Betting on e-sports or amateur athletes under the age of 18 won't be allowed, regardless. — Casey Smith, Indianapolis Star, "What you should know about these Indiana laws going into effect July 1," 1 July 2019 His supporters will back him to the hilt, regardless: Nobody is more anxious to win the culture war than those who have already lost the moral argument. — Laurie Penny, The New Republic, "Why It Matters How Powerful Men Treat Women," 24 June 2019 That said, the simple act of putting something on your face and then washing it off will likely take some oil and dirt with it and may even exfoliate the skin a bit, leaving you with cleaner and smoother skin regardless. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "Can Any Skin-Care Products Actually 'Detox' Your Face?," 3 May 2019

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

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for regardless

regardless

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of regardless

: in spite of difficulty, trouble, etc. : without being stopped by difficulty, trouble, etc.

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

regardless

adverb

re·gard·less | \ ri-ˈgärd-ləs

Kids Definition of regardless

: in spite of something that might be a problem It may rain, but I will go regardless.

Keep scrolling for more

regardless

Definition of regardless

Other Words from regardless

Synonyms for regardless

When Should You Use regardless?

Examples of regardless in a Sentence

First Known Use of regardless

English Language Learners Definition of regardless

Kids Definition of regardless

regardless

Definition of regardless

Other Words from regardless

Synonyms for regardless

When Should You Use regardless?

Examples of regardless in a Sentence

First Known Use of regardless

English Language Learners Definition of regardless

Kids Definition of regardless

WORD OF THE DAY