irresponsible

[ir-i-spon-suh-buhl]

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.

noun

1. an irresponsible person.

irresponsible

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• irresponsibility noun
• irresponsibleness noun
• irresponsibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of irresponsible¹

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

Example Sentences

Others thought she was wrong to publicize the violence, fearing that irresponsible scientists would use the information to “prove” that the tendency to war is innate in humans, a legacy from their ape ancestors.

From Los Angeles Times

The fiery spectacle sparked fury, as some online suggested it was dangerously irresponsible and could put viewers who might copy the clip at risk.

From BBC

A group called the Runyon Canyon Guardians is now calling for officials to halt the bathroom project, calling it “fiscally irresponsible” and a public safety impediment.

From Los Angeles Times

She said many of the problems were stemming from some "irresponsible" farmers and industries.

From BBC

The court said it was "irresponsible" for the aviation authority to suggest through leaks to the media that pilot error had caused the disaster.

From BBC

Related Words

• capricious 
• immature 
• thoughtless