IRRESPONSIBLE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

irresponsible

adjective

ˌir-i-ˈspän(t)-sə-bəl

as in reckless

having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions it was irresponsible to go off and leave your baby unattended in an automobile

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Example Sentences

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 irresponsible But eliminating them altogether would be reckless and irresponsible. —

Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 The parents of the three Miami Yacht Club summer campers who were killed last summer when a 60-foot barge slammed into their sailboat sued the company that owns the barge, alleging negligence and irresponsible hiring. —

Milena Malaver, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026 And so fished with Dave Puffer and, um, and my folks were not completely irresponsible. —

Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026 If Pearl is an irresponsible mother—and that seems beyond dispute—her abdication of duty made a terrible sense to me, given her keen understanding of the obligation. —

Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irresponsible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irresponsible

reckless

Adjective

The plea deal dropped additional charges of attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and official misconduct from his case, according to Jefferson County court records.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
He is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, 20 counts of cruelty to children and five counts of reckless conduct.

— Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026