Reckless: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing actions that show a complete disregard for danger or the consequences.

• His reckless driving endangered everyone on the road
• She made a reckless decision without thinking about the outcome

Usually refers to a lack of attention or thought, often leading to mistakes or accidents.

• He was careless with his homework and made many errors
• Her careless comment upset a lot of people

Implies failing to pay attention or consciously ignoring warnings or advice.

• He was heedless of the warnings and went out in the storm
• Her heedless actions led to many complications

Refers to actions taken quickly without careful thought, often based on sudden urges or emotions.

• She made an impulsive purchase and regretted it later
• His impulsive reaction caused a lot of trouble

Describes hasty actions performed without consideration of the possible consequences, often in situations requiring patience.

• Making a rash decision can lead to mistakes
• Her rash actions showed that she had not thought things through

Describes behavior that is brave in a stupid way, taking unnecessary risks that are likely to result in harm.

• It was foolhardy of him to swim across the river in such strong currents
• They saw his foolhardy attempt to climb the mountain without any equipment

Used to describe someone who acts without considering the consequences, often leading to dangerous or harmful outcomes.

• He was a reckless driver, always speeding and ignoring traffic signals.
• Her reckless spending led to a mountain of debt.

Refers to someone who blatantly ignores warnings or advice, often resulting in negative or unsafe situations. There's a slightly formal or literary tone to this word.

• He was heedless of the danger and proceeded without caution.
• Her heedless actions caused a great deal of trouble for everyone involved.

Used when someone acts without consideration for others' feelings or the consequences. Often implies a degree of negligence or selfishness.

• His thoughtless comment upset her greatly.
• Leaving the door open in winter was a thoughtless thing to do.

Describes someone who shows a lack of worry or interest, often in situations where concern would be expected. This can be perceived as both positive or negative depending on the scenario.

• He seemed unconcerned about the deadlines.
• She remained unconcerned even in the face of criticism.

Describes a person who lacks interest, concern, or sympathy toward something. Often used to highlight a lack of care, typically in a neutral or negative sense.

• She was indifferent to the suffering of others.
• Despite the exciting news, he remained indifferent.

Describes a person who is free from worries or responsibilities, often in a positive, relaxed way.

• They enjoyed a carefree day at the beach.
• During his vacation, he lived a carefree lifestyle, forgetting all his troubles.