reckless

adjective

reck·​less ˈre-kləs 

1

: marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences

2

: irresponsible

reckless charges

recklessly adverb

recklessness noun

Synonyms

• daredevil
• devil-may-care
• foolhardy
• harum-scarum
• hell-for-leather
• irresponsible
• kamikaze

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

This reckless governance has fueled a housing affordability crisis. —Chris Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Now, as his reckless tariffs rattle markets and the stock market tumbles, the real cost of his policies is coming into view. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

As defamation cases continue to make headlines and courts impose steep penalties for reckless statements, the consequences of McAfee’s remarks about Cornett could extend beyond a simple legal battle. —Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Bah has since been charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, the outlets reported. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing reckless

• reckless driving
• with reckless abandon

Rhymes for reckless

• feckless
• necklace

Kids Definition

reckless

adjective

reck·​less ˈrek-ləs 

: showing lack of caution : irresponsible, wild

recklessly adverb

recklessness noun

Legal Definition

reckless

adjective

reck·​less

: 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

recklessly adverb