reckless attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"reckless attempt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an effort that is made without regard for the potential dangers or consequences. Example: His reckless attempt to climb the mountain without proper gear ended in disaster. Alternative expressions include "foolhardy effort" and "rash endeavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He reaps the whirlwind of his reckless attempt at appeasing the wilder side of his party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Risen's book revealed details of a botched and reckless attempt by the C.I.A. to sabotage Iranian nuclear research.

The New York Times

It may be because Labour is faking outrage over a reckless attempt at humour on her website.

The Guardian

Paul Sheehan's story on "Louise" is a purposefully reckless attempt at perpetuating a constant stereotype about Muslim men.

The Guardian - Opinion

8.06pm BST 18 min: Dante booked for a clattering into Ronaldo in a reckless attempt to make up for his negligence at the goal.

The Guardian - Sport

The most extraordinary moment denied Chelsea a winning start when Thibaut Courtois was sent off in a reckless attempt to stop Bafétimbi Gomis from advancing past him.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Labour will continue to stand up for Channel 4 and oppose any reckless attempts to privatise it".

The Guardian

The earth is billions of years old, and will again be so in Kansas, despite reckless attempts by the State Board of Education to deprive its children of modern scientific thinking.

The New York Times

On Monday 3 August, Greenpeace began a musical marathon: daily performances outside Shell's London HQ of a Requiem for Arctic Ice, created to highlight the company's reckless attempts to drill for oil in the Alaskan Arctic this summer.

The Guardian

Now, thundered the paper, "China may consider taking actions to show its stance and prevent more reckless attempts in confronting China".The more sober China Energy News, a publication of the Communist Party's People's Daily, has weighed in, warning India that its "energy strategy is slipping into an extremely dangerous whirlpool".

The Economist

He has now mishandled Iran, estranging many supporters of Israel with reckless attempts to mortgage Israel's future to the Republican right, and dividing American Jews.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reckless attempt", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences or dangers associated with the attempt. This reinforces the meaning and impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "reckless attempt" when the situation involves calculated risks or simply a high level of effort. "Reckless" implies a disregard for potential harm or failure, not just a challenging task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reckless attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "reckless" modifies the noun "attempt". According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe an action undertaken without proper consideration of potential risks or consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reckless attempt" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe actions taken without due regard for potential risks. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to criticize or highlight the irresponsibility of the action. Alternative phrases include "foolhardy endeavor" and "rash undertaking". When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the implication of disregard for danger, and avoid using it to simply describe a difficult task. The phrase maintains a neutral register and can be seen across several authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foolhardy endeavor

Emphasizes the foolishness and lack of wisdom in the undertaking.

rash undertaking

Highlights the impulsiveness and lack of careful consideration.

imprudent effort

Focuses on the lack of prudence and good judgment.

ill-advised action

Underscores the poor counsel or planning behind the act.

desperate measure

Suggests the attempt is driven by desperation, overlooking risks.

audacious gamble

Conveys a sense of boldness and high stakes.

risky venture

Highlights the inherent risks and uncertainties involved.

hazardous undertaking

Emphasizes the potential dangers and risks involved in the effort.

daring exploit

Suggests a bold and potentially dangerous act, often for personal gain or recognition.

precipitous move

Implies the action was taken hastily and without adequate preparation.

FAQs

What does "reckless attempt" mean?

A "reckless attempt" refers to an action or undertaking carried out without regard for potential danger or negative consequences. It suggests a lack of caution or consideration for the risks involved.

How can I use "reckless attempt" in a sentence?

You might say, "The climber's "reckless attempt" to summit the mountain in a blizzard endangered the entire team." This shows the attempt was dangerous and irresponsible.

What are some alternatives to "reckless attempt"?

Alternatives include "foolhardy endeavor", "rash undertaking", or "imprudent effort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "reckless attempt" the same as "bold attempt"?

No, "reckless attempt" implies a disregard for safety and potential negative outcomes, while "bold attempt" suggests courage and a willingness to take risks, but not necessarily without considering the consequences. A bold attempt might be calculated, while a reckless one is not.