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.

“The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous reckless lies,” Perry’s rep said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Last fall, valuations bubbled among the “Magnificent Seven” stocks and others at the center of the AI trade, with little regard to the consequences of such reckless spending or the uncertain path to monetization.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

He said the consequences of Buchan's "stupid and reckless" driving would "live with him forever more".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The judge said that to show defamation, Trump had to demonstrate that the Journal and its reporters acted with “actual malice,” meaning they deliberately published a false story or showed reckless disregard for the truth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

I’m feeling restless, reckless; it all comes easy after that.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

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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