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, anyways [chiefly dialect], 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

Betting on e-sports or amateur athletes under the age of 18 won't be allowed, regardless. — Casey Smith, Indianapolis Star, "What you should know about these Indiana laws going into effect July 1," 1 July 2019 His supporters will back him to the hilt, regardless: Nobody is more anxious to win the culture war than those who have already lost the moral argument. — Laurie Penny, The New Republic, "Why It Matters How Powerful Men Treat Women," 24 June 2019 That said, the simple act of putting something on your face and then washing it off will likely take some oil and dirt with it and may even exfoliate the skin a bit, leaving you with cleaner and smoother skin regardless. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "Can Any Skin-Care Products Actually 'Detox' Your Face?," 3 May 2019 But regardless, as the indictments against the attorney general turn four years old next month, Wednesday's ruling could derail and will most certainly delay Paxton facing a jury of his peers. — Lauren Mcgaughy, Dallas News, "Criminal case against Texas AG Ken Paxton in limbo as prosecutors suffer another setback in pay dispute," 19 June 2019 Karl Kraus reminds me of those indomitable little toy automobiles exhibited on trays by their vendors, which strike the parapet, roll over, right themselves, and carry on regardless, as long as their batteries will drive them. — Michael Hofmann, The New York Review of Books, "Michael Hofmann," 21 Mar. 2019 But my expectation for the Nuggets is to take out the Warriors, regardless. — Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post, "Kickin’ It with Kiz: Why our instant-replay obsession has made NFL games less fun to watch," 8 June 2019 Because of Wick’s persistence and Tarantino’s effort, the lowest temperature now appears on Earth Watch, regardless if a low temperature symbol didn’t appear on the separate map. — Adrian Vore, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Reader’s persistence pays off," 7 June 2019 Still, some people saw the warning signs and went swimming in the channel regardless. — Austin Horn, San Antonio Express-News, "Swimming barred, but is wading safe?," 10 June 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.