irregardless

American  

[ir-i-gahrd-lis] / ˌɪr ɪˈgɑrd lɪs /

adverb

Nonstandard.

1. regardless.

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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

Example Sentences

Here are some words in Lydia Davis’ new collection of stories, “Our Strangers,” that she finds particularly interesting: “bibelot,” “egg,” “acknowledgment,” “fun,” “obnoxious,” “crepey,” “irregardless.”

From Los Angeles Times

The That’s Not a Word! brigade is still very much with us, I’m both amused and bemused to report; witness their perpetual dyspepsia over words such as “irregardless.”

From Washington Post

The most annoying misused word is “irregardless,” a mistaken form of “regardless.”

From Washington Times

But the reality is that, irregardless of its rewards, sport is a phenomenally taxing endeavour, confiscating youth, anonymity and family time– a privilege, yes, but also a pain.

From The Guardian

“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