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 Johnson was charged Thursday with resisting law enforcement, level 6 felony, operating while intoxicated endangering, class A misdemeanor, reckless driving, Class B misdemeanor, minor consumption of alcohol. — Meredith Colias-pete, chicagotribune.com, "Gary woman arrested after clocking 142 mph on highway: state police," 2 Apr. 2021 He was cited for reckless driving, imprudent speed, driving in the wrong lane and driving after suspension. — Bill Kurtz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Teens lead police on a chase from Glendale to Mequon that reached speeds of 90 mph," 31 Mar. 2021 As of March 21, there have been 1,050 arrests — many involving people over 25 years old — on charges including public consumption of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving and resisting arrest. — New York Times, "Miami Beach Opened Up and the Revelers Flocked In. Then Came the Crackdown.," 24 Mar. 2021 He was charged with reckless driving causing death, the Wayne County prosecutor's office said. — Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit police to use helicopters to hunt down drag racers following child's death," 23 Mar. 2021 Raja Whitfield, 26, was booked on charges of manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding and entering a crosswalk on a red light. — Heather Knight, San Francisco Chronicle, "S.F. crash victim broke her neck and back. She just led a run to push for fixes to city's deadly streets," 17 Mar. 2021 The 23-year-old driver, a student, was arrested and charged with reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter. — Steve Lopez Columnist, Los Angeles Times, "Column: Our other pandemic — speeding cars and lost lives," 13 Mar. 2021 That standard requires that the plaintiff prove the defendant acted with knowledge that the statements were false or with reckless disregard for the truth. — Washington Post, "Opinion: Judge tosses absurd Trump campaign lawsuit against the New York Times," 10 Mar. 2021 State court judge James d'Auguste threw out the suit on Tuesday, arguing the op-ed in question was clearly an opinion piece and the Trump campaign failed to demonstrate the Times acted with reckless disregard for the truth. — Joe Walsh, Forbes, "Judge Tosses Out Trump’s Lawsuit Against New York Times," 10 Mar. 2021

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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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries near reckless

Statistics for reckless

Last Updated

6 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Reckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reckless. Accessed 17 Apr. 2021.

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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

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