irresponsible
[ ir-i-spon-suh-buhl ]
/ ˌɪr ɪˈspɒn sə bəl /
Save This Word!
adjective
said, done, or characterized by a lack of a sense of responsibility: His refusal to work shows him to be completely irresponsible.
not capable of or qualified for responsibility, as due to age, circumstances, or a mental deficiency.
not responsible, answerable, or accountable to higher authority: irresponsible as a monarch.
noun
an irresponsible person.
OTHER WORDS FOR irresponsible
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of irresponsible
First recorded in 1640–50; ir-2 + responsible
OTHER WORDS FROM irresponsible
ir·re·spon·si·bil·i·ty, ir·re·spon·si·ble·ness, nounir·re·spon·si·bly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use irresponsible in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for irresponsible
irresponsible
/ (ˌɪrɪˈspɒnsəbəl) /
adjective
not showing or done with due care for the consequences of one's actions or attitudes; reckless
not capable of bearing responsibility
archaic not answerable to a higher authority for one's actions
Derived forms of irresponsible
irresponsibility or irresponsibleness, nounirresponsibly, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012