Reckless Meaning and Definition
Reckless
Pronunciation
/ˈrekʌləs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Given to taking unnecessary risks, behaving impulsively, or engaging in reckless behavior.
Examples
- He’s been acting reckless on the roads lately, ignoring traffic signals.
- Her reckless decision to quit her job without a plan has left her in financial trouble.
Synonyms
- Impulsive
- Rash
- Unthinking
Antonyms
- Prudent
- Cautious
- Thoughtful
Etymology
The word “reckless” originates from the Old English words “hrecc” meaning “bold” or ” daring” and “lēss” meaning “thoughtless” or “unmindful”.
Usage Notes
The word “reckless” is often used to describe actions or decisions that are impulsive, careless, or unthinking. It can also be used to describe a person who is prone to taking risks without regard for the consequences.
Cultural References
The word “reckless” has been used in various cultural references, including in literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist Holden Caulfield is described as being reckless and impulsive.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “reckless” are “reckless abandon”, “reckless disregard”, and “reckless passion”.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage to “reckless” include “impulsiveness”, “carelessness”, “irresponsibility”, and “foolhardiness”.
Collocations
Some common word combinations or collocations with the word “reckless” include “reckless driving”, “reckless behavior”, and “reckless with money”.
Frequency of Use
The word “reckless” is generally used infrequently in modern language, but its usage can vary depending on the context and the individual using it.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings or variations of the word “reckless” include “reclless”, “rekless”, and “recklase”.