recklessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recklessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of care or consideration for the consequences of one's actions, often leading to dangerous or irresponsible behavior. Example: "His recklessness on the road resulted in a serious accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the king reminds him that he is from a famously unstable family and hints that Monrad's own recklessness is to blame for the tragedy we have watched unfolding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Having already had their charge reduced from murder to manslaughter by recklessness, Martin found the five guilty of the even lesser crime of manslaughter "by negligence".

The Guardian

The recklessness of the look appeals to me. 3 I'm relaxed naked as long as there is no one else there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Were there more noise about the government's quest to shrink the state and the injustice of many millions paying for the recklessness of a few, campaigning against those things might acquire some traction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the minister's revelations about the location of the document was an act of extreme recklessness.

The Guardian

It is a non-violent version of the recklessness that makes teenagers in skiffs attempt to board immense tankers.

The Guardian - Opinion

McCullum faced eight balls, but tried to hit each for six, swinging and missing with an abandon that verged on recklessness, but Ross Taylor hit 77 off 62 balls, and Leicestershire did not help themselves by dropping Ronchi on 49, Ollie Freckingham grassing a straightforward chance off a disbelieving Umar Akmal at long leg.

The Guardian - Sport

Ostensibly he was a respectable, recently retired lawyer but there was a recklessness about him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's parted ways with his long-time trainer Freddie Roach in favour of Virgil Hunter, who has reined in the offensive recklessness and added a new dimension of tactical maturity.

The Guardian - Sport

"The minister's attitude to all of this is just total recklessness … He either doesn't understand the dangerous situation he has placed refugees in or he doesn't care," she said.

The Guardian

It is only possible to begin to understand how Smith and Rangers came to be where they are now - trophyless for two seasons and with modest funds to remedy the problem - by appreciating the recklessness of their obsession with matching Celtic's achievement.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recklessness", consider the specific type of risk or disregard you want to emphasize. Is it a lack of care (carelessness), a lack of judgment (imprudence), or a disregard for danger (foolhardiness)?

Common error

Avoid using "recklessness" when "negligence" is more appropriate. "Recklessness" implies a conscious disregard for risk, while "negligence" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, even without realizing the potential danger.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recklessness" is that of a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the quality or state of being reckless. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Recklessness" is a commonly used noun that describes the state of being careless and disregarding potential consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is used correctly in a wide range of contexts. It often carries a negative connotation, highlighting a lack of caution or foresight. Related terms include "rashness", "carelessness", and "imprudence", each offering a slightly different nuance. When employing "recklessness" in writing, it's important to consider the specific type of risk involved and choose the term that best captures the intended meaning. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, understanding its subtle differences from terms like "negligence" is key to precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rashness

Focuses on the impetuous nature of the action, highlighting a lack of forethought.

carelessness

Emphasizes a lack of attention or diligence, often resulting in unintentional errors or harm.

imprudence

Highlights a lack of wisdom or good judgment, suggesting actions that are unwise or ill-advised.

foolhardiness

Suggests a daring and often senseless disregard for danger, bordering on foolishness.

audacity

Implies boldness and a willingness to take risks, sometimes in a way that is shocking or disrespectful.

negligence

Focuses on a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or damage.

irresponsibility

Highlights a lack of accountability and a failure to fulfill one's duties or obligations.

temerity

Suggests excessive confidence or boldness, often in a way that is considered arrogant or presumptuous.

wantonness

Emphasizes a deliberate and unprovoked disregard for morality or decency.

dereliction

Focuses on the abandonment of duty or responsibility, implying a serious breach of obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "recklessness" in a sentence?

"Recklessness" is a noun that describes a state of disregard for danger or the consequences of one's actions. For example, "His recklessness on the road led to an accident."

What are some synonyms for "recklessness"?

Alternatives to "recklessness" include "rashness", "carelessness", "imprudence", and "foolhardiness", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is there a difference between "recklessness" and "negligence"?

"Recklessness" implies a conscious disregard for risks, while "negligence" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, often without malicious intent.

When is it appropriate to use "recklessness" in formal writing?

"Recklessness" is suitable for formal writing when describing actions that demonstrate a clear disregard for potential dangers or negative consequences, particularly in contexts related to legal, financial, or ethical matters.