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.
If you only followed the headlines, it was difficult to reconcile the two dominant narratives about Gen Z. Depending on the week, we were either frighteningly reckless or hopelessly boring.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026
According to the watchdog group, officers sought charges against Ludwig even after they realized the mistake, booking him on charges of reckless driving and resisting arrest.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
Manuel Hernandez, 46, was arrested on 13 counts of reckless endangerment, officers confirmed later.
From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026
The boat's operator, a 46-year-old Manhattan resident, faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment, officials said.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
Morrison, whom Agent Burger described as an “unusually shrewd and reckless and self-confessed criminal,” dressed like a dance-hall hustler.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
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.
