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.

Adversaries thought that Turner’s ventures could be reckless and impulsive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Surely, I thought, there must be something to the Atlantic’s piece that made it less reckless than it sounded.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Sentencing, Sheriff Watson accepted Crampsie had a "lesser degree of culpability" but said her decision was "reckless" and it merited a jail sentence.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

An RIA may make options trades, but they typically do so in a measured and strategic way, rather than aggressive — or even reckless — speculation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

"I was reckless and selfish. Why would you ever do this for me?"

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

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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