wantonly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wantonly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions that are done without regard for the consequences, often implying recklessness or a lack of restraint. Example: "The company was criticized for wantonly polluting the river, showing no concern for the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is difficult to see how the most finicky historian of the future will find the slightest reason for doubting that Hitler deliberately and wantonly provoked the new war.After the first breach of the peace the rest followed automatically.

The Economist

IF THE posters of the anti-UN campaign were to be believed, on March 3rd the people of Switzerland wantonly drove an axe through centuries of their country's prized neutrality by voting in a referendum to join the United Nations.

The Economist

No step, the complainers say, could be better calculated to offend a billion Muslims and confirm fears that, after September 11th, the over-mighty superpower feels entitled to trample wantonly on any enemy, imagined or real.

The Economist

FEW countries waste public money more wantonly than Nigeria.

The Economist

In Iraq these days, it seems, a suicide bomber can be had for the asking.Who would die so wantonly?

The Economist

Moreover, governments cannot regulate even harmful behaviour wantonly, but must settle for the narrowest restrictions that alleviate the harm or protect potential victims.

The Economist

On the other hand, like matrimony, an election is not to be taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, duly considering the causes for which elections were ordained.

The Economist

Forests are usually valued solely for their main commercial resource, timber, which is why they are so wantonly logged and cleared.This leads to a profusion of damaging outcomes such as forest fires and lost ecotourism revenue that happen because those responsible are not obliged to pick up the tab.

The Economist

General Petraeus should be 'very concerned' not of the troops in his command but of a future would-be commander-in-chief, whom, with the exception of one man, would wantonly endorse torture.

The Economist

Hamid "the Liar" wantonly toys with the hostages' hopes and Hossein Sheikh-ol-eslam Sheikh-ol-eslam Sheikh-ol-eslamutalinterrogates

The Economist

After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, in which 143,000 people died, the recovery turned poisonous; amid the wreckage, sword-wielding Japanese set about wantonly killing Korean immigrants.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wantonly" to emphasize the deliberate and unjustified nature of a harmful action. This word choice adds a layer of moral condemnation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "wantonly" when you mean "wantingly". "Wantonly" describes reckless disregard, while "wantingly" means "desiring" or "wishing". Using the wrong word will confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "wantonly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes that the action is done without regard for what is right, just, or considerate. Ludwig AI confirms that "wantonly" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "wantonly" signifies an action executed with a deliberate disregard for what is right or justifiable, often implying recklessness or a lack of moral restraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "wantonly", it is crucial to distinguish it from similar-sounding words and ensure its appropriateness for conveying condemnation or disapproval of the action being described. Alternatives like "recklessly", "unrestrainedly", and "indiscriminately" can be considered depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recklessly

Emphasizes the disregard for danger or consequences.

without restraint

Highlights the lack of control or limitation in the action.

unrestrainedly

Similar to "without restraint", but perhaps a bit more formal.

indiscriminately

Suggests a lack of selectivity or targeting in the action.

arbitrarily

Implies the action is based on random choice or personal whim.

unjustifiably

Focuses on the lack of legitimate reason or justification.

capriciously

Highlights the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the action.

irresponsibly

Emphasizes the lack of due care and consideration.

negligently

Suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm.

unconscionably

Indicates the action is shockingly unfair or unjust.

FAQs

How is "wantonly" used in a sentence?

The adverb "wantonly" describes an action done without regard for what is right or just. For example: "The dictator "wantonly" disregarded the human rights of his people".

What words are similar to "wantonly"?

Similar words to "wantonly" include "recklessly", "unrestrainedly", and "indiscriminately". The best alternative depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "wantonly" and "willfully"?

"Willfully" implies a deliberate action, while "wantonly" suggests a reckless and malicious disregard for the consequences. One can act willfully without being wantonly destructive, and vice versa.

Is it correct to use "wantonly" in formal writing?

Yes, "wantonly" is appropriate for formal writing when describing actions performed with reckless disregard for consequences or moral principles. Its use can add emphasis and condemnation to your prose.