reckless

adjective reck·less \ ˈre-kləs \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: reckless in a Sentence

Definition of reckless

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

2 : irresponsible

reckless charges

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recklessly

adverb

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recklessness

noun

See reckless defined for English-language learners

See reckless defined for kids

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 of reckless from the Web

With the music up loud and the wind in their faces, they're inspired to turn do some reckless revelry.

— kat bein, Billboard, "Galantis and Max Moto-Surf LA in 'Satisfied,' Hit Big On 'Mama Look At Me Now': Watch," 13 July 2018
The jury found 29-year-old Jonathan Gapp guilty as party to the crime of first-degree reckless homicide and resisting or obstructing an officer.

— steven martinez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Jury finds Dousman man guilty of homicide for role in girlfriend's fatal overdose," 13 July 2018
Last year, McCrorey was charged with driving while intoxicated, endangering the welfare of a child and reckless driving.

— tony rizzo, kansascity, "14-year-old charged in fatal shooting; drugs found at scene land woman in jail," 13 July 2018
The officers decide to charge Webb with going too fast for conditions and reckless driving.

— Fox News, "Video shows cops using coin flip to decide whether to arrest," 13 July 2018
Both teens are facing 10 charges including first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and assault of a law enforcement officer.

— nicholas bogel-burroughs, baltimoresun.com, "16-year-old accused of ramming Baltimore County police car with stolen Jeep is ordered held without bail," 12 July 2018
Berlin was booked on the arson charges, reckless driving and fleeing police, as well as outstanding warrants including stalking.

— lorin eleni gill, The Seattle Times, "Northern California arson suspect livestreamed police chase," 9 July 2018
Jose Reynaldo Gonzales, 21, of the 1700 block of Heather Drive, has been charged with felony aggravated reckless driving and speeding over 35 miles per hour, according to a statement from Aurora police on Facebook.

— megan jones, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora man charged with aggravated reckless driving after crash in city," 9 July 2018
Just before the incident, Hank suffers a chemical spill that caused him to adopt the reckless, violent Yellowjacket identity.

— refinery29.com, "Ant-Man & The Wasp Have A Disturbing Incident Of Domestic Abuse In Their Past," 5 July 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.

First Known Use of reckless

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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reckless Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

RECKLESS Defined for English Language Learners

reckless

adjective

Definition of reckless for English Language Learners

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

RECKLESS Defined for Kids

reckless

adjective reck·less \ ˈre-kləs \

Definition of reckless for Students

: showing lack of caution : engaging in wild careless behavior

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recklessly

adverb

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recklessness

noun

Law Dictionary

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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