irregardless

American  

[ir-i-gahrd-lis] / ˌɪr ɪˈgɑrd lɪs /

adverb

Nonstandard.

1. regardless.

---

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of irregardless

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

Compare meaning

How does irregardless compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• irregardless vs. regardless

Explanation

Irregardless is an informal (and erroneously created) word meaning "regardless." If you felt sick but were determined to make it to your bowling tournament anyway, you might say, "I'll be there with my bowling shoes on, irregardless of how much I'm sneezing and coughing." Although irregardless often gets used to mean "regardless," it's considered highly informal, if not flat-out wrong. Irregardless probably grew out of a combination of the words regardless and irrespective, and it's been used ever since the 18th century as a humorous or over-emphasized version of regardless. If you want to be taken seriously, though, leave off the ir- at the beginning.

Example Sentences

The onus in football should be on protecting the ball players, many fans argue, irregardless of the response.

From Reuters • Jul. 3, 2018

“He’s just back here healthy, irregardless of whom the starter was a year ago or who it is now,” offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said.

From Washington Times • Aug. 15, 2017

They include bigly, deplorable, irregardless, icon, assumpsit, faute de mieux, in omnia paratus, revenant and feckless.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2016

Use non-words like "supposably" and "irregardless"? Confess to liking Nickelback?

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2015

Finally, there are the words that are so stretched out of shape that they aren’t even words anymore—like that impostor irregardless.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner