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Synonyms

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

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. in spite of everything; disregarding drawbacks

    to carry on regardless

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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:

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing regardless

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.

See Examples For:

Because the guy in the box should understand who the guy in the box is — regardless of what the scoreboard might say.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 16, 2026

The survey also found that, regardless of income, boomers shop for bargains.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 15, 2026

The new facilities replaced older toilets and were intended to provide free, accessible toilets for everyone, regardless of gender.

From Barron's Aug. 15, 2026

In a statement to the BBC, May's office said that "she has an obligation to sponsor petitions brought forward by citizens, regardless of whether she personally agrees with what the petition is asking for".

From BBC Aug. 12, 2026

The wealthy guests of the Greenbrier created many sources of income for everyone, regardless of race.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

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