What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impulsive
Example
She made an impulsive decision to quit her job without having another one lined up. [impulsive: adjective]
Example
He tends to act impulsively when he's angry, without considering the consequences. [impulsively: adverb]
reckless
Example
He drove recklessly on the highway, putting himself and others in danger. [recklessly: adverb]
Example
Her reckless behavior led to her getting injured. [reckless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reckless is more commonly used than impulsive in everyday language. Reckless is often used to describe dangerous or harmful behavior, while impulsive is used more broadly to describe actions that are not well thought out.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impulsive and reckless?
Both impulsive and reckless are generally used in informal contexts. However, reckless may be used in more formal settings to describe serious or dangerous situations.
