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

Regulators insisted that the rules would still discourage reckless risk taking but boost competitiveness by bringing the UK closer into line with other financial centres around the world.

Read more on BBC

"These new rules will cut red tape without encouraging the reckless pay structures that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis," said Sam Woods, chief executive of the BoE's Prudential Regulation Authority.

Read more on Barron's

Naive, blundering hobbyists and reckless pranksters can also veer into restricted airspace, setting off alarms and potentially shutting down airport traffic.

Read more on Barron's

Once, a cop pulled me over when I was walking home along that very road after my car broke down to warn me that I could get hurt by the reckless drivers there.

Read more on Salon

In a troubled time before their rift, my husband, by his own account, had been financially irresponsible, reckless, a prodigal son.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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