irresponsible

American  

[ir-i-spon-suh-buhl] / ˌɪr ɪˈspɒn sə bəl /

adjective

1. said, done, or characterized by a lack of a sense of responsibility.

   His refusal to work shows him to be completely irresponsible.

   Synonyms:

   thoughtless, undependable, unreliable

2. not capable of or qualified for responsibility, as due to age, circumstances, or a mental deficiency.

3. not responsible, answerable, or accountable to higher authority.

   irresponsible as a monarch.

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noun

1. an irresponsible person.

irresponsible British  

/ ˌɪrɪˈspɒnsəbəl /

adjective

1. not showing or done with due care for the consequences of one's actions or attitudes; reckless

2. not capable of bearing responsibility

3. archaic not answerable to a higher authority for one's actions

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Other Word Forms

• irresponsibility noun
• irresponsibleness noun
• irresponsibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of irresponsible

First recorded in 1640–50; ir- ² + responsible

Example Sentences

Singapore first banned vapes in 2018 as a precaution while it weighed up the evidence on its effects on health, stating it would be "irresponsible to make a hasty decision".

From BBC

The former Scottish secretary, Alister Jack, agreed, describing it as "utterly irresponsible" to encourage investment without mentioning the "huge level of risk".

From BBC

"Asking schools to absorb a £250m shortfall by cutting even deeper is unrealistic and irresponsible," he said.

From BBC

Given that so much of the hype surrounding “Sinners” was because of its music, the choice wasn’t just disappointing; it was irresponsible to the artists the Globes claim to venerate.

From Salon

“I thought you had more sense after all this time. But you’ve proven to me you do not. Such recklessness using my name! On a case of this importance! You irresponsible girl!”

From Literature

Related Words

• capricious
• immature
• thoughtless