irregardless
Americanadverb
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:
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I would imagine we are going to have members that are going to get sick. It’s possible that we have members that die. But that possibility is there irregardless, even if we’re here or not.”
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 4, 2021
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
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
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.
