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

• 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

Willis said at the time: "Let's give President Trump a chance, regardless of what you may have thought about him in the past."

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

The children of school district employees will also qualify for enrollment regardless of income if spaces are available.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

But the court ruled that Exxon Mobil could bring its claims regardless of the FSIA, treating the 1996 act as providing an independent pathway for a lawsuit.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

"I have exceeded my expectations in the last year so far, but as tennis players, we're always looking for more regardless of how we do," she added.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

I relay it through printed words on crumpled newsprint, words that they can read again and again, returning to the circus whenever they wish, regardless of time of day or physical location.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• anyway
• nevertheless