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

• regardlessly
  adverb
• regardlessness
  noun

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

“Whatever we decide before the year starts, regardless of what happens, you just go with what you have.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

The findings remained consistent regardless of gender, coffee intake, caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee, smoking habits, or study duration.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

In Illinois and other U.S. states, child support is not considered taxable income for the recipient or the donor, regardless of whether it’s paid in regular monthly installments or as a single lump sum.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026

"We will take action on any content or accounts which violate our Community Standards, which apply to all content, regardless of whether it is created by AI or by a person," a spokesperson said.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

No one else in the family would have gone anywhere near a fig, regardless of its age.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• anyway
• nevertheless