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recklessness

 - 4 dictionary results

reck⋅less

  [rek-lis]
Use recklessness in a Sentence
–adjective
1. utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; without caution; careless (usually fol. by of): to be reckless of danger.
2. characterized by or proceeding from such carelessness: reckless extravagance.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME rekles, OE reccelēas careless (c. G ruchlos); see reck, -less

Related forms:
reck⋅less⋅ly, adverb
reck⋅less⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. rash, heedless, incautious, negligent, imprudent.

Antonyms:
1. careful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To recklessness
reck·less   (rěk'lĭs)   
adj.  

    1. Heedless or careless.

    2. Headstrong; rash.

  2. Indifferent to or disregardful of consequences: a reckless driver.


[Middle English reckeles, from Old English rēcelēas; see reg- in Indo-European roots.]
reck'less·ly adv., reck'less·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean given to or marked by unthinking boldness. Reckless suggests wild carelessness and disregard for consequences: "conceiving measures to protect the fur-bearing animals from reckless slaughter" (Getrude Atherton).
Rash implies haste, impetuousness, and insufficient consideration: "Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash" (George S. Patton).
Precipitate connotes headlong haste without due deliberation: "destroyed in a precipitate burning of his papers a few days before his death" (James Boswell).
Foolhardy implies injudicious or imprudent boldness: a foolhardy attempt to wrest the gun from the mugger.
Temerarious suggests reckless presumption: "this temerarious foeman who dared intervene between himself [the elephant] and his intended victim" (Edgar Rice Burroughs).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: reck·less
Function: adjective
: characterized by the creation of a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the lives, safety, or rights of others and by a conscious and sometimes wanton and willful disregard for or indifference to that risk that is a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise in like circumstances reckless state of mind may be inferred from conduct> —see also involuntary manslaughter at MANSLAUGHTER reckless homicide at HOMICIDE, RECKLESSNESS —compare CARELESS —reck·less·ly adverb

Main Entry: reck·less·ness
Function: noun
: the quality or state of being reckless; also : reckless conduct —compare NEGLIGENCE
NOTE: Recklessness may be the basis for civil and often criminal liability. Unlike negligence it requires conscious disregard of risk to others.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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