Word
recklessness
Phoneticsreck·less·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛkɫəsnəs/
UK/ɹˈɛkləsnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The driver's recklessness caused a serious accident.”
“The company's recklessness in ignoring safety warnings eventually led to a massive fine and a public scandal.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“Touching this live rail was an act of bravery – or recklessness.” “It’ll probably settle down as his systems become deeper rooted but there was a sense of recklessness at times to their play.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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