irregardless

[ ir-i-gahrd-lis ]

adverb

, Nonstandard.

1. regardless.

Usage Note

Some people use Irregardless to mean the same thing as regardless, but it is considered nonstandard because of the two negative elements ir- and -less. It was probably formed on the analogy of such words as irrespective, irrelevant, and irreparable. Those who use it, including on occasion educated speakers, may do so from a desire to add emphasis. Irregardless first appeared in the early 20th century and was perhaps popularized by its use in a comic radio program of the 1930s.

Word History and Origins

Origin of irregardless¹

1910–15; ir- ² (probably after irrespective ) + regardless

Example Sentences

Here are some words in Lydia Davis’ new collection of stories, “Our Strangers,” that she finds particularly interesting: “bibelot,” “egg,” “acknowledgment,” “fun,” “obnoxious,” “crepey,” “irregardless.”

From Los Angeles Times

The That’s Not a Word! brigade is still very much with us, I’m both amused and bemused to report; witness their perpetual dyspepsia over words such as “irregardless.”

From Washington Post

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, a Republican, challenged the slate of electors from Pennsylvania on Jan. 6, 2021, claiming that the state’s lawmakers had passed Act 77 “irregardless of what the Pennsylvania Constitution said.”

From New York Times

The most annoying misused word is “irregardless,” a mistaken form of “regardless.”

From Washington Times

But the reality is that, irregardless of its rewards, sport is a phenomenally taxing endeavour, confiscating youth, anonymity and family time– a privilege, yes, but also a pain.

From The Guardian