Words / B2

ir-i-SPONS-uh-bl/ˌɪrɪˈspɒnsəbl/

Irresponsible means not showing care for the effects of your actions: irresponsible reporting; it is irresponsible to… Responsible is the opposite (already in the dictionary). Leaving scripts on a train is irresponsible. Reckless is stronger. Noun: irresponsibility. Do not call a calculated risk irresponsible without argument.

Meaning

Not showing a sense of duty or care for the effects of your actions.

Examples

• “Leaving scripts on a train is irresponsible, the board’s notice said.”
• “Irresponsible borrowing featured in the personal-finance case, which is the economics sense.”

Good to know

irresponsible + noun; it is irresponsible to. Opposite: responsible. Stronger: reckless. Notices and editorials. Duty of care, not a joke.

Near in meaning

reckless

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