reckless

[rek-lis]

adjective

1. utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; without caution; careless (usually followed byof ).

   to be reckless of danger.

   Synonyms: imprudent, negligent, incautious, heedless, rash
   Antonyms: careful

2. characterized by or proceeding from such carelessness.

   reckless extravagance.

reckless

/ ˈrɛklɪs /

adjective

1. having or showing no regard for danger or consequences; heedless; rash

   a reckless driver

   a reckless attempt

Other Word Forms

• recklessly adverb
• recklessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckless¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English rekles, Old English reccelēas “careless” (cognate with German ruchlos ); reck, -less

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckless¹

Old English recceleās (see _reck , _-less ); related to Middle Dutch roekeloos , Old High German ruahhalōs

Example Sentences

And Yale hasn’t won one since 1927, a time when dancing the Charleston and reckless stock-market speculation were all the rage.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Gulati warns that “overconfidence might hinder our ability to face real limitations and lead to reckless behavior, ultimately harming our performance.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In reality, India has too many reckless left-wing populists who don’t understand basic economics and woo voters with fiscally irresponsible promises.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

None of it has expanded employment opportunities for Americans or helped the cost of living go down, a factor of reckless tariffs imposed on foreign trade partners — another revenge target.

Read more on Salon

Ridge closed his eyes and said, under his breath, “Don’t be reckless, Ridge.”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• audacious 
• brash 
• carefree 
• careless 
• daring 
• foolhardy 
• hasty 
• ill-advised 
• imprudent 
• negligent 
• thoughtless