Definitions

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.

Greenspan contended that a gold-backed monetary system would restrain government spending, prevent reckless money creation and largely eliminate the destructive boom-bust cycle that has plagued modern economies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026

Anything more than that could be viewed as reckless by currency traders.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

Speaking outside court, Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said Lavryovych and Carpiuc had been "incredibly reckless".

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

It also seems fair to demand more of a Senate candidate than of the most reckless bro on the block.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Thistletops erupted, wildflowers wobbled as the bike charged in reckless patterns only a fly could follow: circles, figure eights, zigzags, crazy doodles.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli

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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