reckless

[ rek-lis ]

adjective

1. utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; without caution; careless (usually followed by of ):

   to be reckless of danger.

   Synonyms: imprudent, negligent, incautious, heedless, rash

   Antonyms: careful

2. characterized by or proceeding from such carelessness:

   reckless extravagance.

reckless

/ ˈrɛklɪs /

adjective

1. having or showing no regard for danger or consequences; heedless; rash

   a reckless attempt

   a reckless driver

Derived Forms

• ˈrecklessness, noun
• ˈrecklessly, adverb

Other Words From

• reck·less·ly adverb
• reck·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckless¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English rekles, Old English reccelēas “careless” (cognate with German ruchlos ); reck, -less

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckless¹

Old English recceleās (see reck , -less ); related to Middle Dutch roekeloos , Old High German ruahhalōs

Example Sentences

The EFL believes the payments - worth tens of millions of pounds to relegated clubs - distort competition and encourage reckless spending among Championship clubs.

From BBC

He was on video assistant referee duty for the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in October 2020 when Virgil van Dijk sustained a season-ending knee injury after a reckless challenge in the area by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford, with no penalty being awarded.

From BBC

Evidently, someone involved in a reckless driving incident that led to two wrecks and four people being taken to the hospital.

From Los Angeles Times

As of Saturday afternoon, the police had not yet released a description of the driver, who is being pursued for charges of reckless driving and hit and run.

From Los Angeles Times

The Mercedes driver was hospitalized and arrested on suspicion of reckless driving.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• audacious
• brash
• carefree
• careless
• daring
• foolhardy
• hasty
• ill-advised
• imprudent
• negligent
• thoughtless