freewheeling

[free-hwee-ling, -wee-]

adjective

1. operating in the manner of a freewheel.

2. (of a person) moving about freely, independently, or irresponsibly.

3. (of words, remarks, actions, etc.) unrestrained; irresponsible.

   Loose, freewheeling charges were traded during the argument.

freewheeling

/ ˌfriːˈwiːlɪŋ /

adjective

1. relating to, operating as, or having a freewheel; coasting

2. informal,  free of restraints; carefree or uninhibited

Word History and Origins

Origin of freewheeling¹

First recorded in 1900–05; freewheel + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Even if the company makes its products more constrained in corporate contexts, its freewheeling reputation seems likely to limit its inroads.

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The freewheeling debate covered public safety, the rise in antisemitism in the city and affordable housing.

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Business in the regions is dominated by the entertainment and tech companies, which can often be more freewheeling because much of the work is done alone and on computers that could be located anywhere.

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And yet for the team behind “Nouvelle Vague,” about the production of Jean-Luc Godard’s radically freewheeling 1960 feature debut, “Breathless,” it kind of did.

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Their freewheeling live shows made them a coveted arena act, when few new rock bands can aspire to that.

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Related Words

• autonomous 
• nonpartisan 
• self-reliant 
• self-sufficient 
• separate 
• sovereign