Reckless
/ˈrɛkləs/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Reckless describes doing something without careful thought or concern for safety. It often means ignoring rules or warnings and taking dangerous risks that could harm yourself or others.
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See It in Action
Acting without care for danger or rules
- •He made a reckless decision to drive without a seatbelt.
- •The reckless driver caused a serious accident.
- •She was reckless with her money and spent it all quickly.
Showing a lack of thinking about consequences
- •His reckless behavior put everyone at risk.
- •They were reckless in ignoring safety instructions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "reckless" like "careless," but stronger—it means not just small mistakes, but ignoring danger completely
- ✓Picture a driver speeding fast through a busy street without looking at traffic lights or other cars
- ✓It's the feeling when someone does something dangerous just for fun, without thinking about what could go wrong
- ✓Sounds like "wreck-less" → imagine someone acting so carelessly that they might cause a "wreck" (accident)
- ✓Think of stories where characters ignore warnings and get into trouble because they were reckless
- ✓NOT like "careful" (who thinks and plans), reckless means no care or thought about safety
- ✓NOT like "bold" (which can be brave and positive), reckless is negative because it ignores risk
- ✓NOT like "accident" (something unplanned), reckless is a choice to ignore safety and take risks
Try Other Words
- •Rash: acting quickly without thinking (Use when the action is fast and thoughtless)
- •Dangerous: likely to cause harm (Use when focusing on risk or harm)
- •Thoughtless: not thinking about others or results (Use when ignoring consequences)
- •Irresponsible: not taking responsibility for actions (Use when emphasizing lack of care about duties)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "reck" (from Old English "recian" meaning to care or heed) + suffix "-less" (without)
- •Etymology: From Old English, meaning "without care or heed"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1300s to describe people who do not care about danger or consequences
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe dangerous or careless actions, especially in driving or risky behavior
Reflect & Connect
•Can being reckless ever be a good thing, like in situations needing quick decisions? Why or why not?
•How do you decide when someone is just careless and when they are reckless?
Fill in the blanks
1.He acted reckless by ___ the traffic signals and driving at high speed.
2.Being reckless often causes ___ that could have been avoided with care.
3.Unlike careful drivers, reckless drivers ignore ___ and safety rules.
4.When someone is reckless, they usually do not think about the ___ of their actions.
5.People say he was reckless because he ___ warnings and advice.
6.Reckless behavior can ___ serious harm to yourself and others.
7.She was not just careless, but reckless, because she ___ risks without thinking.