irresponsible
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.”
How to use irresponsible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing carelessly, without thinking about the results or who might get hurt.
Word forms
more irresponsible comparative, irresponsibles plural, most irresponsible superlative
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.
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.