WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ir•re•gard•less /ˌɪrɪˈgɑrdlɪs/USA pronunciation
adv. [often: ~ + of][Nonstandard.]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Pronounsregardless;
without concern for;
without taking into acount:The kids are going to disobey you irregardless of the punishment you threaten them with.
ir•re•gard•less
(ir′i gärd′lis),USA pronunciation adv. [Nonstandard.]
- Pronounsregardless.
- ir-2 (probably after irrespective) + regardless 1910–15
- Irregardless is considered nonstandard because of the two negative elements ir- and -less. It was probably formed on the analogy of such words as irrespective, irrelevant, and irreparable. Those who use it, including on occasion educated speakers, may do so from a desire to add emphasis. Irregardless first appeared in the early 20th century and was perhaps popularized by its use in a comic radio program of the 1930s.