reckless decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reckless decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a choice made without considering the potential consequences, often implying a lack of caution or responsibility. Example: "Choosing to drive without a seatbelt was a reckless decision that could have led to serious injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was simply debating the outcome of a reckless decision that could have several negative consequences.

University of California, Berkeley

Do we think a similarly reckless decision would have been taken?

The Guardian

This is mostly as a result of the EU's reckless decision to lift the arms embargo.

The Guardian

I remember my reckless decision to immerse myself in the city's chaotic layers of beauty.

The New York Times

"Why should we be picking up the bill for the reckless decision of others?" Pacelle said Friday from Italy, where he participated in an animal rights forum.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't rub salt in the wounds with yet another reckless decision that is on par with the reckless decisions that led to the bailout in the first place.

The New York Times

Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), said Trump's "reckless decision" puts the US on path to war with Iran.

The Guardian

The leader of the free world larded his recent news conference with false claims, while British legislators dither over their citizens' reckless decision to leave the European Union.

The New York Times

In flight, the two have a falling out over what Ryan considers Alex's reckless decision to check her caged kitten as baggage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nor is our political system providing adequate safeguards against reckless decision-making.

The New York Times

No doubt the Condoleezza Rices and Sonia Sotomayors have their failings, just as the WASP male elite is capable of partisan, reckless decision-making.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reckless decision", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences or risks associated with the decision. This strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "reckless decision" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound overly critical or informal in highly professional settings. Consider alternatives like "ill-advised strategy" or "imprudent measure" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reckless decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'reckless' modifies 'decision'. It describes a decision characterized by a lack of care or consideration for the potential consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reckless decision" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a choice made without sufficient consideration of potential risks or negative consequences. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly conveys the potential harm or irresponsibility associated with the decision. While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives in professional settings to maintain a nuanced tone. Examples show it's used to condemn political and personal actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rash judgment

Emphasizes the impulsivity and lack of deliberation in the decision.

ill-considered choice

Highlights the lack of careful thought and consideration before making the decision.

imprudent action

Focuses on the unwisdom and lack of caution in the decision, presenting it as an action.

foolhardy move

Suggests the decision was daring and potentially dangerous, like a "foolhardy move".

careless determination

Implies a lack of attention to potential risks or consequences in the decision.

unwise resolution

Highlights the lack of wisdom and sound judgment in the decision.

thoughtless decree

Emphasizes the absence of consideration for others in the decision, like a decree.

irresponsible determination

Focuses on the lack of accountability and potential harm caused by the decision.

negligent act

Presents the decision as a failure to exercise due care, leading to potential harm.

improvident step

Suggests the decision was shortsighted and failed to provide for future needs.

FAQs

How to use "reckless decision" in a sentence?

You can use "reckless decision" to describe a choice made without considering the potential consequences. For example: "Approving the super-potent opioid, Dsuvia, was a "reckless decision" that represents a remarkable failure to act in the best interests of protecting public health."

What can I say instead of "reckless decision"?

You can use alternatives like "rash judgment", "ill-considered choice", or "imprudent action" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "reckless decision" or "irresponsible decision"?

Both "reckless decision" and "irresponsible decision" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Reckless" highlights the lack of caution, while "irresponsible" emphasizes the failure to meet obligations or duties.

What's the difference between "reckless decision" and "negligent act"?

"Reckless decision" implies a conscious choice made without regard for consequences, while "negligent act" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, potentially unintentional. The former is a decision, the latter is an action.