IRRESPONSIBILITY Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

irresponsibility

noun

Definition of irresponsibility

as in malfeasance

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of irresponsibility On a political level, Shelley’s monster pandemic served as a warning of what horrifying fates might await the whole of humanity if conflict and irresponsibility were left unchecked worldwide. — Eileen Hunt, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026 This tradition viewed progressive nationalism as using promises of reform and demagogic tirades against scapegoats abroad to distract from their own corruption and irresponsibility. — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 The yahoos in our capital would wreck only the state this time and not the whole country, but the irresponsibility is the same. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 The fiscal irresponsibility and mismanagement of bankrupt Hawthorne Race Course President Tim Carey was the immediate cause of death. — Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 California’s High-Speed Rail has devolved into a case study of bureaucratic incompetence and fiscal irresponsibility. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 26 May 2026 This has ensured that fiscal irresponsibility generates solid political benefits at no political cost. — Jared Bernstein, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026 That bill is a prime example and proves current lawmakers have engaged in fiscal irresponsibility, causing near state insolvency. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irresponsibility

Noun

To spin total concoctions into something so riveting is — for better or worse — an admirable cinematic skill, one Hur uses to turn a tale of forensic malfeasance into mass entertainment of considerable quality.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
The Kawhi Leonard deal, and the financial malfeasance that came with it, has crippled the franchise.

— Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of malfeasance

Noun

But that drop in intensity quickly veered into carelessness, with the defence failing to assert its composure amid loose passes and hapless communication mix-ups.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Conflicts and tragedies are almost always the result of carelessness or accidents that spiral totally out of control.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of carelessness

Noun

The suit alleges that Fox's actions rise to the level of corporate negligence under the Ukrainian civil code.

— David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Irene Perretta died in 2025 at 80 years old after being treated at the Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus, according to a negligence lawsuit filed by her family.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of negligence

Noun

Newsom signed a similar bill that prevents federal agents from becoming police in California if their federal badge was revoked for misconduct.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Eric Evans, a six-year employee of the police department, entered a guilty plea Wednesday for five misdemeanor charges of misconduct.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Noun

The country cannot easily increase the pressure because its economic distress narrows the margin for strategic recklessness.

— Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026
One of the grid’s most astute late-nineteenth-century critics, the geologist John Wesley Powell, decried its environmental recklessness.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of recklessness

Noun

It's rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being a low chance for delinquency and 5 being a high chance of delinquency.

— Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Maintenance activity, vendor invoices, rent collections, delinquency and property-level financial reporting should all contribute to a clearer picture of performance.

— David Crown, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of delinquency

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irresolution

irresponsibility

irresponsible

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“Irresponsibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irresponsibility. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of irresponsibility

noun

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