regardless

adjective

re·gard·less | \ ri-ˈgärd-ləs

Definition of regardless

(Entry 1 of 2)

: heedless, careless

regardless

adverb

Definition of regardless (Entry 2 of 2)

: despite everything went ahead with their plans regardless

Other Words from regardless Synonyms When Should You Use regardless? More Example Sentences Learn More about regardless

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Synonyms for regardless

Synonyms: Adverb

anyhow, anyway, whatever

When Should You Use regardless?

Adverb

Regardless is rather simply derived from the noun regard (meaning "attention" or "concern") plus -less - nothing too shocking about that. But poor regardless became embroiled in a usage scandal through no fault of its own when people began using irregardless as its synonym (probably blending irrespective and regardless). Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century, and usage commentators have been decrying it since the 1920s, often declaring "there is no such word." Irregardless does exist, of course, but it tends to be used primarily in speech and it is still considered nonstandard. Regardless is greatly preferred.

Examples of regardless in a Sentence

Adverb

the weather looked bad, but they were resolved to go on with their picnic regardless

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

The Warriors were going to be overwhelming favorites regardless. — Andrew Sharp, SI.com, "The NBA is Broken, But Not Because of DeMarcus Cousins," 5 July 2018 The University of Louisville embraces and celebrates diversity and is a supporter of all its students and stakeholders regardless as to their identity. — NBC News, "Papa John's founder apologizes for using N-word on conference call," 11 July 2018 McManus said the city would have to find a new processing center regardless, because the new facility can’t handle its Class C misdemeanors, the lowest criminal offense level. — Jasper Scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "Tour of new intake center renews rift between officials," 11 July 2018 But the report found instances where the flag appeared regardless, including on a T-shirt and patch. — Colin Lecher, The Verge, "Nazi paraphernalia is still being sold on Amazon, report finds," 7 July 2018 The regime will appropriate it regardless, in one way or another. — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, "Russia Relaxes, for a Moment, to Let Soccer Fans Rejoice," 2 July 2018 Others say Washington should agree to extend New START, regardless, if only to retain a last bedrock of arms control framework and continue an inspections regime that the militaries of both countries find beneficial. — Paul Sonne, Washington Post, "The U.S. glimpses possible common ground with Russia," 21 Mar. 2018 Property owners in Valparaiso and Center Township can expect their taxes to go up regardless because of an increase in the tax rate for the referendum for school construction, Urbanik said. — Amy Lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Auditor: Homestead credit may offset rising Porter County tax rates," 9 Mar. 2018 But the Tigers will take this version of Zimmermann 10 times out of 10, trade value regardless, a version which nearly threw the Tigers’ first complete game this season. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Where has this Jordan Zimmermann version been for Detroit Tigers?," 7 July 2018

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