Recklessness: meaning, definitions and examples

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recklessness

[ ˈrɛkləsnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

behavior

Lack of caution or care; irresponsibility.

Synonyms

carelessness, heedlessness, rashness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recklessness

This word is often used when someone takes actions without thinking about the risk or potential negative consequences. It implies a higher level of danger or irresponsibility.

  • His recklessness behind the wheel almost caused an accident.
  • The company's financial recklessness led to its collapse.
carelessness

This term is used in situations where someone fails to give enough attention or thought to avoid making mistakes or causing harm. It generally refers to neglect rather than intent.

  • Her carelessness resulted in a broken vase.
  • He lost his job due to his carelessness with important documents.
heedlessness

Heedlessness is used to describe someone's lack of attention or consideration for warnings or advice. It often implies a willful ignorance.

  • His heedlessness to safety protocols put the entire team at risk.
  • Her heedlessness of the doctor's orders prolonged her illness.
rashness

This word describes actions that are taken hastily without careful thought, often leading to regret or negative outcomes. It is usually associated with impulsiveness.

  • His rashness in making investment decisions cost him a lot of money.
  • She admitted her rashness in reacting to the situation without fully understanding it.

Examples of usage

  • He drove with such recklessness that he caused a serious accident.
  • Her recklessness in handling delicate equipment led to costly damage.
  • The company suffered financial losses due to the recklessness of its management.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The state or quality of being reckless; disregard for the consequences of one's actions.

Synonyms

carelessness, heedlessness, rashness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recklessness

When someone acts without considering the dangers or consequences. It often implies a high level of danger and usually has a negative connotation.

  • His recklessness behind the wheel put everyone in danger.
  • The company's recklessness with environmental regulations resulted in a hefty fine.
carelessness

When someone is not paying enough attention to detail or is neglecting responsibilities. It is usually less severe than recklessness but still implies a lack of concern or attention.

  • Her carelessness led to a mistake in the report.
  • I lost my keys due to my carelessness.
heedlessness

When someone is intentionally ignoring warnings or advice. It implies more deliberateness than carelessness but less extreme than recklessness and is often negative.

  • His heedlessness of the weather warnings led to a dangerous hike.
  • The captain's heedlessness resulted in the ship running aground.
rashness

When someone makes a hasty decision without thoroughly thinking it through. It suggests a quick but potentially regrettable action.

  • She regretted her rashness in quitting her job without another one lined up.
  • His rashness often got him into trouble with impulsive purchases.

Examples of usage

  • The defendant's recklessness in driving under the influence of alcohol resulted in a fatal crash.
  • The law holds individuals accountable for any harm caused by their recklessness.
Context #3 | Noun

extreme sports

The willingness to take risks and engage in adventurous activities without concern for personal safety.

Synonyms

audacity, boldness, daredevilry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recklessness

Recklessness is often used when someone is acting without regard for the consequences, typically in a negative manner. It suggests a lack of caution and responsibility.

  • His recklessness on the road put everyone's lives in danger.
  • The company's financial recklessness led to its downfall.
daredevilry

Daredevilry is used to describe actions that are extremely risky or adventurous. It often implies a sense of thrill-seeking and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • His daredevilry on the motorbike amazed everyone, but it was very dangerous.
  • She is known for her daredevilry and loves performing stunts.
audacity

Audacity is used to describe bold or daring behavior that can be shocking or disrespectful. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

  • She had the audacity to question the manager's decision in front of everyone.
  • His audacity in challenging the status quo earned him a lot of respect.
boldness

Boldness refers to the willingness to take risks and act confidently. It is generally seen in a more positive light compared to recklessness.

  • Her boldness in presenting innovative ideas impressed the committee.
  • The general's boldness on the battlefield turned the tide of the war.

Examples of usage

  • His recklessness in extreme sports earned him a reputation as a fearless thrill-seeker.
  • The adrenaline junkie's recklessness in base jumping made headlines.

Translations

Translations of the word "recklessness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imprudência

🇮🇳 लापरवाही

🇩🇪 Rücksichtslosigkeit

🇮🇩 kecerobohan

🇺🇦 безрозсудність

🇵🇱 lekkomyślność

🇯🇵 無謀

🇫🇷 imprudence

🇪🇸 imprudencia

🇹🇷 dikkatsizlik

🇰🇷 무모함

🇸🇦 طيش

🇨🇿 lehkomyslnost

🇸🇰 ľahkomyseľnosť

🇨🇳 鲁莽

🇸🇮 nepremišljenost

🇮🇸 hugsunarleysi

🇰🇿 абайсыздық

🇬🇪 უპასუხისმგებლობა

🇦🇿 ehtiyatsızlıq

🇲🇽 imprudencia

Etymology

The word 'recklessness' originated from the Middle English word 'reckelees', which meant 'careless' or 'heedless'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of recklessness has been explored in various fields, from psychology to law, highlighting the importance of caution and responsibility in decision-making.

See also: recklessly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,341, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.