French word

irresponsable

Pronunciation

IPA/iʁɛspɔ̃sabl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveirresponsible

Example

Il est irresponsable.

He is irresponsible.

Illustration for irresponsable (irresponsible)

More examples

Il a pris une décision irresponsable.

He made an irresponsible decision.

Core concept

Someone who acts without weighing the duties and consequences involved.

Common phrases

  • décision irresponsable

    irresponsible decision

  • attitude irresponsable

    irresponsible attitude

  • être irresponsable

    be irresponsible

Similar words

négligent: Neglects needed care and effort, making problems more likely.
imprudent: Takes action without weighing the risks or likely results, inviting danger.
irréfléchi: Makes decisions or remarks without thinking them through, leading to trouble.

Definition in French

Qui ne montre pas de sens des responsabilités ou qui manque de prudence dans ses actes.

Word origin

Irresponsable combines French responsable with the negative prefix ir-, which developed from Latin in- before r; responsable ultimately comes from Latin respondere.

Usage tips

  • French irresponsable is pronounced with a final -able sounding like [abl], not like the English ending in irresponsible.

Other meanings

  • rashadjective
  • heedlessadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word