wanton disregard

USAGE SUMMARY

"wanton disregard" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is usually used to express an attitude of careless or reckless disregard or neglect for the rules or conventions. For example, "The government's wanton disregard for public safety was inexcusable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It shows a wanton disregard by Russia for international law.

The Guardian

Because people who treat their Netflix accounts with such wanton disregard don't think.

The New Yorker

But worse has been his administration's wanton disregard for civil liberties.

The Economist

A wanton disregard for their own health is a big factor especially their high regard for vodka.

The Economist

These individuals, among other elected officials, have exhibited a disgraceful wanton disregard for the interests of the Lilco customers.

The New York Times

The real offense, for which no one has been charged, is the wanton disregard for human life that Manning exposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

They rue its present state -- creeping Californiazation, they say, and a wanton disregard for neighborhoods and heritage buildings.

The New York Times - Travel

The patient could also recover punitive damages if the defendant acted in "willful or wanton disregard" for the patient's rights.

The New York Times

But a wanton disregard for their own lives set in among Russian men long before that, and has persisted even as the economy has turned round.

The Economist

But Reynolds was prepared to forgive Rembrandt his excesses and his wanton disregard for proper finish, because, like many eighteenth-century writers, he considered him a master colorist.

The New Yorker

"The actions of the Chinese against vulnerable Kachin demonstrate a wanton disregard for human dignity and international humanitarian law," Mr. Roco said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanton disregard" to emphasize a reckless or malicious lack of care, especially when describing actions that have serious consequences. It's stronger than simple negligence.

Common error

Avoid using "wanton disregard" when describing simple oversight or unintentional mistakes. Reserve it for situations where there's a clear indication of deliberate recklessness or indifference to potential harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanton disregard" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as the object of a verb, describing the manner in which something is treated or the attitude displayed toward it. As Ludwig AI explains, it is perfectly acceptable in written English, usually expressing an attitude of careless or reckless neglect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanton disregard" is a noun phrase used to express strong disapproval of actions exhibiting reckless indifference. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. When using this phrase, be sure to emphasize the malicious or reckless nature of the lack of care, differentiating it from simple negligence. Consider alternatives like "reckless indifference" or "blatant disrespect" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reckless indifference

Emphasizes the lack of concern and the potential danger associated with the action.

blatant disrespect

Highlights the overt and disrespectful nature of the disregard.

flagrant neglect

Stresses the obvious and unacceptable failure to care for or attend to something.

willful negligence

Indicates a deliberate and conscious decision to be negligent.

callous disregard

Focuses on the insensitive and uncaring attitude behind the disregard.

gross negligence

Indicates a significant departure from the expected standard of care.

heedless abandon

Conveys a sense of recklessness and lack of caution.

irresponsible behavior

Broadly describes conduct lacking in responsibility or care.

unconscionable neglect

Highlights the morally reprehensible nature of the neglect.

criminal neglect

Connects the neglect to potential criminal implications.

FAQs

How can I use "wanton disregard" in a sentence?

You can use "wanton disregard" to describe a reckless or malicious lack of care. For example: "The company showed a "wanton disregard" for environmental regulations."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "wanton disregard"?

Similar phrases include "reckless indifference", "blatant disrespect", or "flagrant neglect".

Is it appropriate to use "wanton disregard" in formal writing?

Yes, "wanton disregard" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a strong sense of criticism or condemnation.

What is the difference between "wanton disregard" and "negligence"?

"Wanton disregard" implies a reckless or malicious indifference to the consequences of one's actions, whereas negligence suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care.