English Reference
adverb · adjective

regardless

adv. · adj.
US /ɹəˈɡɑɹdɫəs/ UK /ɹɪɡˈɑːdləs/ re·gard·less

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    The weather was terrible, but we decided to go for a walk regardless.

    In context

    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'.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    He continued his speech, regardless of the angry shouts from the crowd.

    In context

    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.

    heedlessunmindfulindifferent

Usage regardless of their gender · regardless of age · regardless of the potentially

Regardless of any development, there will be a risk of gusty winds and heavy rainfall in Lesser Antilles on Friday night and into Saturday.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Regardless of the executive order, “[the AAP] guidelines will be what we continue to follow.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

From regard + -less.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated