English Reference
Noun

recklessness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɹɛkɫəsnəs/ UK /ɹˈɛkləsnəs/ reck·less·ness UK spelling recklessnesses

n.the quality of being willing to take big risks without thinking about the possible dangers. It often describes someone who acts in a way that could hurt themselves or others.

n.the quality of acting in a way that shows no care for the dangers or the feelings of others. Often implies a lack of prudence or a deliberate disregard for safety.


SIMPLE

The driver's recklessness caused a serious accident.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's recklessness in ignoring safety warnings eventually led to a massive fine and a public scandal.

COMPLEX

While some view the explorer's recklessness as a necessary trait for discovery, others argue that such a lack of caution is simply irresponsible and dangerous to the team.

It’ll probably settle down as his systems become deeper rooted but there was a sense of recklessness at times to their play.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026

From Middle English reklesnes, reklesnesse, rekelesnesse (also assibilated as rechelesnes, reccheleesnesse), from Old English rēcelēasnes (“recklessness, carelessness, negligence”), equivalent to reckless + -ness.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English rēcelēasnes
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated