reckless determination

USAGE SUMMARY

"reckless determination" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a strong resolve that disregards potential risks or consequences. Example: Her reckless determination to succeed led her to take dangerous risks in her career. Alternative expressions include "foolhardy resolve" and "rash commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Still, here was a woman swept up in her own reckless determination.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead of nausea, it produced a reckless determination to move onto the next tasting.

The Guardian - Travel

Janeway observes that in his sometimes reckless determination to become rich, his father resembled others he knew well.

The New York Times - Books

Had the movie envisaged a "Moby-Dick -like struggle between Billy and the superstorMoby-Dick -like steers the Andrea Gail with a reckless deterMoby-Dick -likePerfect struggleight have accrued some heavy allegorical weight.

The New York Times

Telling the story of an ambitious would-be rubber baron's attempts to drag a steam ship over a mountain, it's not clear why the film's themes of reckless determination to achieve the unlikely in the face of mounting evidence that such a mission is doomed to disaster should appeal to the manager of England in a World Cup year.

The Guardian - Sport

We wage war and business in the same old ways, with a reckless determination to replicate the triumphant past, but it's not working.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Prosecutors may also seek stiffer charges, like negligent homicide or reckless manslaughter, but that determination would quite likely depend on a reconstruction and analysis of the crash by investigators.

The New York Times

The aggression straddles the border between caring and reckless, with Pitt's determination and clenched jaw leaving the viewer questioning whether he's nurturing or something darker.

Huffington Post

Trying again was reckless and not necessary, but my determination made me blind to the risks.

Huffington Post

But his determination may have been somewhat reckless this year.

The New York Times - Sports

She added that in her view the state's determination to execute Bucklew had been reckless.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase is highly effective in narrative writing or sports journalism to describe a 'all or nothing' attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "reckless determination" as a pure compliment. The word 'reckless' inherently carries a warning about a lack of caution; if the persistence is entirely wise and virtuous, consider using "dauntless resolve" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reckless determination" functions as a complex noun phrase where the adjective 'reckless' modifies the abstract noun 'determination'. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'with a "reckless determination"') or as a standalone subject describing a theme or character trait.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts & Literature

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academic Research

3%

Legal & Official

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reckless determination" is a potent phrase used to describe a level of commitment that ignores safety and logic. Ludwig AI shows that while the phrase is not 'common' in everyday speech, it is a staple of high-end journalism and narrative non-fiction. It perfectly captures the moment where persistence crosses into danger. When using it, be mindful that you are signaling to the reader that the subject's drive, while impressive, might also be their downfall. It is an excellent choice for describing high-stakes scenarios in sports, business or personal tragedy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reckless resolve

Uses a more formal synonym for determination, often implying a finalized decision.

blind determination

Emphasizes the lack of awareness regarding consequences rather than just the disregard for them.

foolhardy persistence

Carries a stronger negative connotation of being foolish or unwise.

dangerous ambition

Shifts the focus from the mindset (determination) to the goal-oriented drive (ambition).

rash commitment

Suggests a lack of forethought or an impulsive dedication.

desperate grit

Adds a layer of necessity or struggle to the determination.

heedless drive

Focuses on the lack of attention (heedless) given to obstacles.

frantic resolve

Suggests a hurried or anxious state of mind behind the decision.

bold tenacity

A more positive spin that frames the behavior as courageous rather than careless.

daring persistence

Implies a willingness to take calculated risks rather than purely reckless ones.

FAQs

How do I use "reckless determination" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase to describe a subject's mindset, such as: 'He charged into the burning building with "reckless determination".' It functions similarly to "blind ambition" or "unwavering resolve" but with a focus on risk.

Is "reckless determination" positive or negative?

It is generally a double-edged sword. While it suggests strength and grit, the adjective 'reckless' implies a dangerous lack of caution. For a purely positive alternative, you might prefer "bold determination".

What is the difference between "reckless determination" and "reckless resolve"?

The two are almost interchangeable. However, "reckless determination" often describes a continuous state of striving, while "reckless resolve" may imply a specific, singular decision made despite the risks.

Can I say "recklessly determined" instead?

Yes, if you need an adverbial form to modify a verb or adjective, such as: 'She was "recklessly determined" to finish the race despite her injury.'