reckless

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; ; -Macaulay
  2. adjective characterized by careless unconcern; - Edith Wharton

Etymology

From Middle English rekles, reckeles, rekkeles, (also recheles), from Old English rēcelēas (“reckless, careless, negligent”), equivalent to reck + -less. Cognate with West Frisian roekeleas (“reckless”), Dutch roekeloos (“reckless”), German Low German ruuklos (“careless”), German ruchlos (“careless, notorious”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

foolhardy, heady, rash

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