1
: marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences
2
: irresponsible
reckless charges
recklessly
adverb
recklessness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of reckless in a Sentence
He is a wild and reckless young man.
He showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others.
He spends money with reckless abandon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Reddit users were just as quick to praise the pedestrian's actions, seeing the moment as a justified comeback rather than reckless behavior.
—
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
The teen is charged with multiple counts of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and criminal trespass and is expected to be charged in juvenile court, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
The successful audit comes as the government’s finances face significant scrutiny from the new Trump administration after years of reckless spending and fiscal irresponsibility.
—Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
Kailee Brantner, 22, of Brookfield, was arrested on charges of reckless injury, use of a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse, court records filed in Waukesha County show.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reckless 
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Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
The teen is charged with multiple counts of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and criminal trespass and is expected to be charged in juvenile court, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
The successful audit comes as the government’s finances face significant scrutiny from the new Trump administration after years of reckless spending and fiscal irresponsibility.
—Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
Kailee Brantner, 22, of Brookfield, was arrested on charges of reckless injury, use of a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse, court records filed in Waukesha County show.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reckless
Dictionary Entries Near reckless
Cite this Entry
“Reckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reckless. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reckless
adjective
reck·less
ˈrek-ləs 
: showing lack of caution : irresponsible, wild
recklessly
adverb
recklessness
noun
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