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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.

Regardless, parallels between contemporary artists and Mozart diverge when commercial success figures into the picture.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

Regardless, with another full week of Cannes screenings to come, the hope is we’ll find more movies worth celebrating, even if it takes a couple of decades to give them their due.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Regardless of how much money you earn, working to build assets while limiting debt will pay off over the long term.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Regardless, she will be a national presence this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Regardless of all the discouraging talk, the love and belief I had in my little red hounds never faltered.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls

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