Irregardless vs Regardless | Meaning, Definition & Examples
Irregardless is often used instead of the adverb regardless to mean “despite everything.” It’s typically used as a transition word at the beginning of a sentence to change the topic.
Many dictionaries and other language authorities consider irregardless a nonstandard word, so you should avoid it in academic writing or professional communication.
Many dictionaries and other language authorities consider irregardless a nonstandard word, so you should avoid it in academic writing or professional communication.
Examples: Irregardless or regardless in a sentence
Informal writing
✓ Nonstandard (but sometimes accepted): I'm not sure about your advice, but I'm going to follow it irregardless.
✓ Best option: I'm not sure about your advice, but I'm going to follow it regardless.
Formal writing
✗ Not accepted: Irregardless, the organization remains committed to its environmental goals.
✓ Accepted: Regardless, the organization remains committed to its environmental goals.
Informal writing
✓ Nonstandard (but sometimes accepted): I'm not sure about your advice, but I'm going to follow it irregardless.
✓ Best option: I'm not sure about your advice, but I'm going to follow it regardless.
Formal writing
✗ Not accepted: Irregardless, the organization remains committed to its environmental goals.
✓ Accepted: Regardless, the organization remains committed to its environmental goals.
Regardless of
Regardless is also used as part of the prepositional phrase regardless of (something), which means “without being influenced by” or “careless of.”
It’s never correct to use “irregardless of.”
It’s never correct to use “irregardless of.”
Examples: Regardless in a sentence
Timothy continued to support his sports team, regardless of their recent losses.
I want to save my cat, regardless of the cost!
Regardless of the late hour, they stayed up to finish the project.
Timothy continued to support his sports team, regardless of their recent losses.
I want to save my cat, regardless of the cost!
Regardless of the late hour, they stayed up to finish the project.
Recommended language articles
Do you want to know more about common mistakes, commonly confused words, rhetorical devices, or other language topics? Check out some of our other language articles full of examples and quizzes.
Frequently asked questions about irregardless vs regardless
Is irregardless a real word?
Irregardless is sometimes used instead of regardless to mean “despite everything.”
Most dictionaries don’t consider irregardless a standard word, so it should be avoided in academic writing or professional communication. However, some language authorities accept the use in informal language.
Use QuillBot's free Grammar Checker to fix your mistakes for free.
Is it regardless or irregardless?
Irregardless and regardless are sometimes used interchangeably. However, most dictionaries consider irregardless a nonstandard word, so it should be avoided in professional communication or academic writing. Some language authorities accept the use in informal language.
Both words mean “despite everything.”
Use QuillBot's free Grammar Checker to fix your mistakes for free.