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reckless

American  
[rek-lis] / ˈrɛk lɪs /

adjective

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

    to be reckless of danger.
    Synonyms:
    imprudent, negligent, incautious, heedless, rash
    Antonyms:
    careful

  2. characterized by or proceeding from such carelessness.

    reckless extravagance.
reckless British  
/ ˈrɛklɪs /

adjective

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

    a reckless driver

    a reckless attempt
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • recklessly adverb
  • recklessness noun

Etymology

Origin of reckless

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.