What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irresponsible
Example
He was fired from his job for being irresponsible and not showing up to work on time. [irresponsible: adjective]
Example
It's irresponsible to drive under the influence of alcohol. [irresponsible: adjective]
unreliable
Example
I can't rely on him to show up on time, he's so unreliable. [unreliable: adjective]
Example
The old car was unreliable and broke down frequently. [unreliable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unreliable is more commonly used than irresponsible in everyday language. Unreliable is a more versatile word that can be applied to a wider range of situations, while irresponsible is more specific and may be used less frequently.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between irresponsible and unreliable?
Both irresponsible and unreliable are typically associated with an informal tone. However, irresponsible may be used in more formal contexts when discussing moral or ethical issues, while unreliable is more commonly used in casual conversation.
