reckless

[rek-lis] / ˈrɛk lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

irresponsible in thought, deed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

audacious brash carefree careless daring foolhardy hasty ill-advised imprudent negligent thoughtless

WEAK

adventuresome adventurous any which way breakneck daredevil desperate devil-may-care fast and loose feckless harebrained headlong heedless helter-skelter hopeless hotheaded inattentive incautious inconsiderate indiscreet kooky madcap mindless overventuresome playing with fire precipitate rash regardless temerarious uncareful venturesome venturous wild

Antonyms

STRONGEST

afraid attentive careful cautious discreet fearful kind meek mindful prudent reserved shy thoughtful timid wise

WEAK

responsible wary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval,” Lt.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Johnston was was convicted of doing an act in a safe access zone with the intent of or being reckless as to whether it had the effect of influencing a protected person attending the premises.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Adversaries thought that Turner’s ventures could be reckless and impulsive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Surely, I thought, there must be something to the Atlantic’s piece that made it less reckless than it sounded.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

They must have considered I was very careful and timid at first, and that gradually I grew very bold and reckless.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Vocabulary lists containing reckless

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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Anti-Antonyms: Words Without Opposites

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