adjective
irresponsible
ihr-ih-SPON-suh-buhl
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."
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
Word Forms
more irresponsible comparative, irresponsibles plural, most irresponsible superlative
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Etymology
Formed from ir- ("not") plus responsible.