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

Gregory Smith, 42 of East Haddam, was also charged with first-degree threatening and first-degree reckless endangerment when he was taken into custody last week, state police said. — Nicholas Rondinone, courant.com, "State trooper charged with assault for domestic violence," 15 July 2019 Harris is charged with felony assault on a police officer, possession of marijuana, reckless endangerment, attempting to elude, improper lane chance and resisting arrest. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al.com, "2 jailed after I-20 chase, overnight manhunt in east Alabama," 11 July 2019 Fricke, 27, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of reckless endangerment of two other officers, and operating a drug house. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wannabe gangster or lawful gun owner defending home? Jurors hear 2 versions of Jordan Fricke," 9 July 2019 The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment and making a false statement. — Evan Bush, The Seattle Times, "Fireworks to blame for deadly Highline house fire, Renton fire that critically injured a woman," 8 July 2019 Oxenrider is charged with manufacturing a weapon of mass destruction, causing or risking a catastrophe and reckless endangerment, and is awaiting arraignment. — Fox News, "Pennsylvania man allegedly built bomb to warn about aliens who plan to destroy planet," 25 June 2019 In addition to the felony counts, a grand jury on Friday also indicted Cardi on misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment, assault, criminal solicitation, conspiracy and harassment. — Cicero Estrella, The Mercury News, "Cardi B politely pleads not guilty to felony charges from club brawl," 25 June 2019 Robert Corry, a noted marijuana lawyer and advocate, was arrested Friday on investigation of criminal mischief, first-degree kidnapping, aggravated motor vehicle theft and reckless endangerment, according to Denver County jail records. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, "Robert Corry, lawyer for suspect charged in deadly I-70 crash, arrested in domestic violence case," 15 June 2019 Isaiah Thompson, 23, of Brooklyn, was taken into custody in lower Manhattan just after midnight Friday morning and charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing, police said. — Ben Chapman, WSJ, "Man Charged With Pulling New York City Subway’s Brakes," 24 May 2019

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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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