reckless

adjective

reck·​less ˈre-kləs 

1

: marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences

2

: irresponsible

reckless charges

recklessly adverb

recklessness noun

Synonyms of reckless

• daring
• daredevil
• irresponsible
• adventurous
• careless
• foolhardy
• bold
• nonchalant

Choose the Right Synonym for reckless

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of reckless in a Sentence

He is a wild and reckless young man.

He showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others.

He spends money with reckless abandon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Holden’s vignettes are caked in grime and emerge at a reckless pace. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026

Newman's charges include homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and traffic offenses. — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Toledo is steady and wise, while Levee is hotheaded and reckless and indignant. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Oct. 2026

This is a reckless budget that uses our children as bargaining chips. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reckless

• reckless driving
• with reckless abandon

Rhymes for reckless

• feckless
• necklace

Kids Definition

reckless

adjective

reck·​less ˈrek-ləs 

: showing lack of caution : irresponsible, wild

recklessly adverb

recklessness noun

Legal Definition

reckless

adjective

reck·​less

: characterized by the creation of a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the lives, safety, or rights of others and by a conscious and sometimes wanton and willful disregard for or indifference to that risk that is a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise in like circumstances see also involuntary manslaughter at manslaughter, reckless homicide at homicide, recklessness compare careless

recklessly adverb