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.

International observers have expressed concern, with the US embassy in Mogadishu calling the violence "reckless" and urging dialogue.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

If this had been the first indication that Platner had a reckless streak, I would have been more inclined to brush it off.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

He said: "I wasn't very impressed. It was unbelievably reckless and dangerous …the speed they were travelling, the blind corner, the time of day. Everything about it."

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Hal had taken risks Kate thought were reckless.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

It was encircled by a wild, untended garden fierce in its reckless blooming and accidental color.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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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