Recklessness
/ˈrɛk.ləs.nəs/noun
The quality of being careless or acting without thinking about the consequences.
Did you know?The term 'reckless' is derived from the Old English 'reccan', meaning 'to care or take heed', showing how carelessness was once a conscious choice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wrikkanō
“to turn or twist, indicating a change or disturbance.”
Old English
OE
reccan
“to care for or take account of, reflecting a sense of responsibility.”
Middle English
ME
reckles
“careless, heedless, lacking concern, emerging as a descriptor for thoughtless behavior.”
Late 14th Century
ME
recklessness
“the state of being without care or caution, a transformation from a term of responsibility to one of disregard.”
Modern English
Eng
recklessness
“the quality of being reckless, emphasizing the conscious choice to ignore potential dangers.”