What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reckless
Example
He drove recklessly down the highway, weaving in and out of traffic. [recklessly: adverb]
Example
Her reckless behavior led to her injury. [reckless: adjective]
thoughtless
Example
It was thoughtless of him to make that comment about her weight. [thoughtless: adjective]
Example
She acted thoughtlessly by leaving her phone at home during an emergency. [thoughtlessly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thoughtless is more commonly used than reckless in everyday language. Thoughtless can be used in a wider range of contexts, while reckless is often reserved for more serious situations involving danger or risk.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reckless and thoughtless?
Both reckless and thoughtless are informal words, but reckless is often used in more formal contexts such as legal or safety-related discussions.
