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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:

Yet, actors sign on anyway, and viewers will watch regardless, because Netflix has crafted a conniving production model that benefits the indiscriminate philistines in charge.

From Salon Sep. 2, 2026

Clients get predictable cash back when the bonds mature, which can go toward future spending needs, regardless of interest-rate fluctuations.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 1, 2026

Ministers will have to decide whether to press ahead regardless of the controversy, or scale down what they hope to achieve.

From BBC Sep. 1, 2026

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that he expects Jacobs to remain with the franchise regardless of the outcome of the case.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 31, 2026

A man whose life turned out just fine, regardless of his education level.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

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