reckless
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reckless
First recorded before 900; Middle English rekles, Old English reccelēas “careless” (cognate with German ruchlos ); see reck, -less
Explanation
If you are reckless, you don't think or care about the consequences of your words or actions, like a reckless driver who speeds while texting, knitting, and eating a sandwich. The word reckless comes from the Old English word receleas, meaning "careless, thoughtless, heedless." If you have a reckless attitude, you aren't concerned about what happens to yourself or others who are affected by your actions. In this usage, reckless is the opposite of considerate. Reckless friends will invite people you don't know to your house because with your parents away, it's party time. Surprise!
Vocabulary lists containing reckless
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Anti-Antonyms: Words Without Opposites
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Older generations always think younger ones are reckless, whether it’s physical risks like riding a motorcycle or financial ones like day trading leveraged ETFs.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
"This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations caused this disaster."
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
He did, though, admit he was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving for his role in the incident and the charge was later dropped after he made a public service video on driving.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Johnston was was convicted of doing an act in a safe access zone with the intent of or being reckless as to whether it had the effect of influencing a protected person attending the premises.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
"I was reckless and selfish. Why would you ever do this for me?"
From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
