irresponsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'irresponsibility' is correct and definitely usable in written English.
It means the lack of responsibility or the failure to fulfill one's duties or obligations. Example: The CEO's irresponsibility led to the company's downfall and caused many employees to lose their jobs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I think of the irresponsibility of banking organisations – including RBS, the owner of NatWest – over the past couple of decades, handing out 125% mortgages and making "fat cat" payments to directors who have helped land this country in the financial mess it's in, I am left totally speechless.

The Guardian - Money

Root allowed himself to be lulled into periods of stasis, an understandable reaction to the match stretching out before him, and yet also the response of a young man who felt that his natural game may equal irresponsibility (here he can be contrasted with Rogers, a less talented player, but one who has spent years doing the job).

The Guardian - Sport

Clooney issued a statement accusing the Mail of irresponsibility in publishing what he said was "a completely fabricated story".

The Guardian

For we also had a monument of self-contradiction - a man of the hard right who could be a sensitive social reformer, a deeply committed Tory who could urge his colleagues to conspire with the enemy, a master of words who could use them with what many saw as gross irresponsibility, a devout loyalist who could lecture his queen, an atheist and a High Anglican.

The Guardian

The chancellor will seek to give his Labour opponent less room for manoeuvre – or leave Balls vulnerable to charges of fiscal irresponsibility – by putting the new charter to a parliamentary vote in 12 months' time, just six months before the election.

The Guardian

David Cameron says Labour has learned nothing from previous "irresponsibility".

The Guardian - Opinion

All three listed Mr Bush's fiscal irresponsibility as a strong reason why the president should be kicked out of the White House.

The Economist

For some people such environmental irresponsibility is simply indefensible.These arguments are robustly countered by organisations such as the Sports Utility Vehicle Owners of America.

The Economist

After a Labour Party conference that sometimes sounded a little too pleased by capitalism's travails, the Tories stood up for the market without exonerating bankers from the charge of irresponsibility.

The Economist

IT IS an article of faith among some economists that Argentina's past history of monetary irresponsibility means its people think in only one currency: the dollar.

The Economist

It is a book committed as much to revenge as to revelation.The architect has publicly scolded Robert Irwin for his "irresponsibility" in designing a garden for the Getty Centre that clashed with his own ideas of how the California hilltop should look.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "irresponsibility" in contexts where a clear duty or obligation was neglected, leading to negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "irresponsibility" when "impulsivity" is more accurate. "Irresponsibility" implies a neglect of duty, whereas "impulsivity" refers to acting without forethought. For example, a leader demonstrating poor planning shows "irresponsibility", while someone making a quick decision might show "impulsivity".

Linguistic Context

The word "irresponsibility" functions primarily as a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the state or quality of being irresponsible, indicating a lack of accountability or a failure to fulfill obligations. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from financial mismanagement to neglect of duty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irresponsibility" is a noun denoting a lack of responsibility or failure to meet obligations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use across various contexts, particularly in news and business, often to assign blame or explain negative outcomes. While grammatically correct and frequently used, its directness suggests a neutral to formal register. When using "irresponsibility", be mindful of the specific context and potential for misinterpretation, considering alternatives like "negligence" or "lack of accountability" for nuanced communication. Remember to differentiate it from related terms such as "impulsivity" to ensure accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of accountability

Focuses on the absence of being held responsible for actions.

failure to take responsibility

Highlights the act of not accepting responsibility.

negligence

Implies a careless disregard for one's duties.

dereliction of duty

Suggests a deliberate abandonment of one's responsibilities.

laxity

Indicates a lack of strictness or care.

carelessness

Highlights a lack of attention or caution.

wanton disregard

Emphasizes a reckless lack of concern.

remissness

Points to a culpable lack of attention to something.

imprudence

Suggests a lack of wisdom or good judgment.

foolhardiness

Indicates a reckless and rash behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "irresponsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "irresponsibility" to describe a lack of care or failure to meet obligations. For example, "The company's financial woes were due to the CEO's gross "financial irresponsibility"".

What are some synonyms for "irresponsibility"?

Alternatives include "negligence", "lack of accountability", and "dereliction of duty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "irresponsibility" and "recklessness"?

"Irresponsibility" implies a failure to meet obligations, while "recklessness" suggests a disregard for potential dangers or consequences. One can be irresponsible without being reckless, and vice versa.

Is "irresponsibility" a formal or informal term?

"Irresponsibility" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific situation dictates the most appropriate word choice. In formal settings, consider using "breach of duty" or "failure to discharge obligations" for added gravity.