irresponsible
ihr-ih-SPON-suh-buhl
Irresponsible (adjective) means not showing proper care or thought about the consequences of one's actions. Example: “It was irresponsible of him to leave the children alone by the pool.”
adjective
1
Not showing proper care or thought about the consequences of one's actions.
"It was irresponsible of him to leave the children alone by the pool."
"Driving that fast in the rain is completely irresponsible."
"Spending all your savings on a whim would be a rather irresponsible thing to do."
2
Not legally or formally accountable for something.
"Under the old law, the officer was considered irresponsible for actions taken under orders."
How to use irresponsible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing carelessly, without thinking about the results or who might get hurt.
Common pairings
irresponsible behaviour
financially irresponsible
grossly irresponsible
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Word forms
- Plural
- irresponsibles
- Comparative
- more irresponsible
- Superlative
- most irresponsible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ of him to leave the children alone by the pool.
Etymology
Formed from ir- ("not") plus responsible.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for irresponsible
See all rhymes for irresponsible →Frequently asked questions
What does “irresponsible” mean?
The word “irresponsible” means not showing proper care or thought about the consequences of one's actions. In plain terms, acting carelessly, without thinking about the results or who might get hurt.
How do you pronounce “irresponsible”?
“Irresponsible” is pronounced ihr-ih-SPON-suh-buhl (/ˌɪɹ.əˈspɑn.sə.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “irresponsible” in a sentence?
Here is “irresponsible” used in a sentence: “It was irresponsible of him to leave the children alone by the pool.”
What part of speech is “irresponsible”?
“Irresponsible” is an adjective.
Is “irresponsible” a common word?
“Irresponsible” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “irresponsible” have?
“Irresponsible” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not showing proper care or thought about the consequences of one's actions.
What is the difference between irresponsible and careless?
Irresponsible describes not showing proper care or thought about the consequences of one's actions, often implying a failure of duty or judgment. Careless focuses more narrowly on a lack of attention or effort in doing something, without necessarily implying a broader failure of responsibility. Someone can be careless in a single act while being generally responsible overall, but irresponsible suggests a more significant lapse.
Can irresponsible refer to a legal or formal status rather than behavior?
Yes, irresponsible can also mean not legally or formally accountable for something, a more technical sense distinct from the everyday meaning of behaving thoughtlessly. This use appears mainly in legal or governmental contexts describing who bears formal responsibility.
What is the opposite of irresponsible?
The opposite of irresponsible is responsible, describing someone who considers the consequences of their actions and can be trusted to act with proper care and accountability.
