regardless

American  

[ri-gahrd-lis] / rɪˈgɑrd lɪs /

adjective

1. having or showing no regard; heedless; unmindful (often followed byof ).

   Synonyms:

   careless, neglectful, negligent, inattentive

   Antonyms:

   mindful, attentive

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adverb

1. without concern as to advice, warning, hardship, etc.; anyway.

   I must make the decision regardless.

idioms

1. regardless of, in spite of; without regard for.

   They'll do it regardless of the cost.

regardless British  

/ rɪˈɡɑːdlɪs /

adjective

1. (usually foll by of) taking no regard or heed; heedless

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adverb

1. in spite of everything; disregarding drawbacks

   to carry on regardless

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• regardlessness
  noun
• regardlessly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of regardless

First recorded in 1585–95; regard + -less

Compare meaning

How does regardless compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• irregardless vs. regardless

Explanation

If something is done without consideration, it's done regardless, usually followed by the word "of." Today you can sit wherever you'd like on a bus, regardless of your race, but this wasn't always the case. The word regardless can also be used as an adverb meaning despite everything. If your speaker had to cancel, you should carry on with the meeting regardless. People sometimes use the word irregardless when they mean regardless. Irregardless is an error resulting from a blend of irrespective and regardless. You may hear people say it, but grammarians consider it to be a mistake.

Example Sentences

Edwards has prioritised the security of a long-term contract in the past, but may find such a deal difficult to find, regardless of the terms of his severance deal with France.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

California uses “blanket” primaries, which means the top-two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Media analysts say the games will most likely draw the biggest U.S. audiences ever for the World Cup, paying huge dividends for Fox regardless of how far the U.S. team advances.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Under California’s primary system, the two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary advance to the November general election, regardless of their party affiliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

They weren’t high fashion, but they looked cute enough, and more important they’d keep the girls warm regardless of what the Illinois winter had in store.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• anyway
• nevertheless