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.
Reckless indifference is displayed when someone acts with “a blatant disregard for the potential consequences of their actions,” even if those actions create a substantial risk of death or serious injury to others.
From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025
With a reference to former Tory MP Mark Reckless, who defected to UKIP, he told the BBC political editor Chris Mason it would be "reckless" to call a by-election when a general election was looming.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2024
The Black-owned business also serves fried catfish, gumbo and fried chicken along a drag that has turned into an emerging restaurant row with Reckless Noodle, Wood Shop BBQ and Standard Brewing.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2022
“Mr. Everett entered a plea of guilty to Reckless Driving and the matter is scheduled for sentencing on September 8,” Everett’s attorney, Kaveh Noorishad, said in a statement obtained by NBC Sports Washington.
From Washington Times • Jul. 19, 2022
Reckless they sprang into the pools and waded across, bellowing as they came.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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.
