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

Farris Koroma, 22, was arrested on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, police said. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Man turns self in after New York City high-rise apartment shootings, police say," 24 Aug. 2018 After an investigation by the Special Victims Unit, police charged Richard Moreton, of the 4700 block of James Avenue, with neglect of person, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and false imprisonment. — Joseph A. Gambardello, Philly.com, "Man kept blind brother locked in trailer in squalid conditions in Frankford, police say," 25 Apr. 2018 So too with Alexander’s own actions and decisions, some wise and canny, others reckless and cruel. — James Romm, WSJ, "‘Soldier, Priest, and God’ Review: The Emperor Divine," 13 Dec. 2018 Guests filed into the Midtown East City Cinemas 123 theater sharing stories of shock after having realized these reckless and unfounded practices are still performed today. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, "Chloë Grace Moretz Preaches Self-Love at Last Night’s New York City Premiere for The Miseducation of Cameron Post," 2 Aug. 2018 Court records show the driver was arrested in October 2017 for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment, and pleaded guilty in May to reckless endangerment in Kent Municipal Court. — Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, "Four dead in Tukwila crash identified; driver booked on investigation of vehicular homicide," 8 Oct. 2018 Hamlen now faces new charges after eluding police, including third-degree assault, reckless driving and resisting arrest. — Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "Anchorage police catch suspect who they say fled after ramming SUV through garage wall," 3 July 2018 Herrera was also charged with one count each of misdemeanor driving on a revoked license, reckless driving and failing to to give information and render aid, Darrah said. — Matthew Walberg, chicagotribune.com, "Motorcyclist killed in Lombard crash; man on another motorcycle riding with him charged with DUI," 29 June 2018 In addition to impersonating an officer, Ray faces charges of kidnapping, misconduct involving weapons, endangerment, reckless driving and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Forghani said. — Nathan J. Fish, azcentral, "Ex-Pinal County Sheriff's Explorer accused of impersonating police officer," 5 June 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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Last Updated

18 Jan 2019

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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