Word
regardless
Phoneticsre·gard·less, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹəˈɡɑɹdɫəs/
UK/ɹɪɡˈɑːdləs/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01anyway
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. despite everything; you use this to say that something happens even if there are difficulties.
adv. despite prevailing circumstances or opposition; functions as a sentence adverb to indicate persistence.
“The weather was terrible, but we decided to go for a walk regardless.”
“The board recognized the financial risks involved but voted to proceed with the merger regardless, citing long-term strategic benefits.”
Usage
Often placed at the end of a sentence or clause to mean 'in spite of everything'.
Pitfall
He decided to go irregardless of the rain.
He decided to go regardless of the rain.
The word 'irregardless' is considered incorrect in formal writing; always use 'regardless'.
Synonyms
02ignoring something
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. not paying attention to something or not caring about it.
adj. heedless or unmindful of consequences or surroundings; often used in a postpositive position.
“He continued his speech, regardless of the angry shouts from the crowd.”
“The explorer pushed deeper into the jungle, seemingly regardless of the physical exhaustion that had sidelined the rest of his team.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to form a prepositional phrase.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “regardless” in context.
Verb
01. carry on regardless
“Despite the torrential rain and poor visibility, the marathon runners carried on regardless.”
verb + adv
02. continue regardless
“The noise from the construction site was deafening, but the teacher continued regardless.”
verb + adv
03. press on regardless
“We were exhausted and lost, yet our guide insisted we press on regardless to reach the camp.”
verb + adv
04. proceed regardless
“The committee had several reservations about the budget, but they decided to proceed regardless.”
verb + adv
Preposition
05. regardless of the circumstances
“The company policy states that employees must remain professional regardless of the circumstances.”
prep + noun + prep + noun
06. regardless of the consequences
“He was determined to tell the truth to the authorities, regardless of the consequences for his career.”
prep + noun + prep + noun
07. regardless of the cost
“The billionaire was obsessed with acquiring the rare painting, regardless of the cost.”
prep + noun + prep + noun
08. regardless of their gender
09. regardless of age
10. regardless of the potentially
Real-World Examples
“Regardless of any development, there will be a risk of gusty winds and heavy rainfall in Lesser Antilles on Friday night and into Saturday.” “In tests involving 197 participants, the system identified individuals with nearly 100% accuracy, even from different angles and regardless of how they walked.” “When they did get through, deliveries were limited to 15 litres per household, regardless of how many people lived there.” “A study tracking more than 340,000 adults for over a decade found that heavy drinking increased the risk of death regardless of beverage type.” Etymology
From regard + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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