What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wildly
Example
The party was getting wildly out of control. [wildly: adverb]
Example
She danced wildly to the beat of the music. [wildly: adverb]
recklessly
Example
He drove recklessly down the highway, putting everyone in danger. [recklessly: adverb]
Example
She spent her money recklessly, without considering her bills. [recklessly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recklessly is more commonly used than wildly in everyday language. Recklessly is often used to describe dangerous or irresponsible behavior, while wildly is less common and has a broader range of meanings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wildly and recklessly?
Both wildly and recklessly are informal words and should be used with caution in formal settings. However, recklessly is more strongly associated with negative connotations and should be avoided in professional or academic contexts.