reckless

adjective

reck·less | \ˈre-kləs

Definition of reckless

1 : marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences

2 : irresponsible reckless charges

Other Words from reckless Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reckless

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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

Prosecutors charged Hill last week with two counts of reckless homicide. — Vic Ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, "Driver is charged in Speedway crash that killed mother and daughter," 10 July 2018 Delgado-Gonzalez was charged last fall with murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and reckless homicide, in the May 11, 2017, death of the boy, court records show. — Michelle L. Quinn, Post-Tribune, "Uncle sentenced in shooting death of 4-year-old East Chicago boy," 2 July 2018 In exchange for his guilty plea under the deal, lesser charges of reckless homicide and a second count of aggravated DUI were dismissed by Rossetti prior to Thursday’s sentencing hearing. — Jim Newton, Lake County News-Sun, "Man gets 3 years in prison for DUI in fatal Fourth of July motorcycle crash that killed his fiance," 1 June 2018 Hudy Muldrow, 77, faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide/death by auto, the prosecutor said in a news release. — Carma Hassan, CNN, "School bus driver charged in fatal crash," 24 May 2018 Defense lawyer Wesley Stone said Gaul never intended to harm Walker and should be convicted of the lesser charge of reckless homicide. — CBS News, "Football player found guilty of killing cheerleader ex-girlfriend," 9 May 2018 Riley's lawyers are arguing he should be convicted of reckless homicide instead, which would carry a maximum four-year sentence. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Tennessee Teen on Trial for Ex-Girlfriend's Alleged Murder," 3 May 2018 Martin, who’s married to the boy’s maternal grandmother, was charged with reckless homicide in his death, according to the Times Gazette. — Crystal Hill, miamiherald, "400-pound grandpa tried to restrain boy during a tantrum — and killed him, Ohio authorities say | Miami Herald," 26 Apr. 2018 Ford made her comments before Common Pleas Judge Sherrie Miday sentenced Leannais to five years in prison after a jury last month convicted him of reckless homicide in Stanford's death. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com, "Cleveland man who accidentally killed dinner-party guest after Facebook Live broadcast gets 5 years in prison," 13 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reckless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near reckless

Phrases Related to reckless

reckless driving

with reckless abandon

Statistics for reckless

Last Updated

11 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for reckless

The first known use of reckless was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for reckless

reckless

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of reckless

: not showing proper concern about the possible bad results of your actions

See the full definition for reckless in the English Language Learners Dictionary

reckless

adjective

reck·less | \ˈre-kləs

Kids Definition of reckless

: showing lack of caution : engaging in wild careless behavior

reckless

adjective

reck·less

Legal Definition of reckless

: 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