Irregardless vs Regardless: Which Is Correct?

Irregardless vs. Regardless: The Short Answer

Regardless is the standard, correct word to use: it means “without regard” or “despite everything.” Irregardless is a real word — it appears in dictionaries — but it is labeled “nonstandard,” meaning it does not conform to the usage of educated native speakers. In formal writing, always use “regardless.”

Is Irregardless a Word?

Yes — and this surprises many people. Merriam-Webster answers the question directly: “It may not be a word that you like, or a word that you would use in a term paper, but irregardless certainly is a word.”

The evidence:

• It has been in use for almost 200 years. The earliest known use is from 1795, in the Charleston City Gazette: “But death, irregardless of tenderest ties, Resolv’d the good Betty, at length, to bereave.”
• It is in widespread, consistent use across a wide geographic range with a consistent meaning — which is why Merriam-Webster and nearly every other dictionary of modern English defines it.
• It was first included in Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged edition in 1934.

Merriam-Webster’s philosophy: “We do not make the English language, we merely record it.” A definition is not an endorsement.

What Does Irregardless Mean?

Merriam-Webster defines “irregardless” simply as “regardless.” The two words mean exactly the same thing: without regard to something; despite the circumstances.

• “Regardless of the cost, we are going.”
• “Irregardless of the cost, we are going.” (nonstandard, but same meaning)

The word annoys people because the “ir-” prefix usually signals negation (irrelevant, irregular, irresponsible). “Irregardless” looks like it should mean “not regardless” — a double negative. Merriam-Webster explains that here the “ir-” appears to function as an intensifier instead. Similar rare cases exist: “irremediless” (remediless), “irresistless” (resistless).

Nonstandard vs. Slang: What the Label Means

Merriam-Webster labels “irregardless” as nonstandard rather than slang. “Nonstandard” means the word does “not conform in pronunciation, grammatical construction, idiom, or word choice to the usage generally characteristic of educated native speakers.”

In practical terms: educated readers will judge you for using it. Merriam-Webster is blunt: “Irregardless is a long way from winning general acceptance as a standard English word. For that reason, it is best to use regardless instead.”

When (If Ever) to Use Irregardless

Honest answer: almost never in writing. The situations break down like this:

• Formal writing (essays, reports, job applications, published articles): use “regardless.” Always.
• Professional speech (meetings, interviews, presentations): use “regardless.” “Irregardless” can undermine your credibility with listeners who know the distinction.
• Casual speech: many native speakers say “irregardless” naturally, and in casual conversation it rarely causes problems. But be aware some listeners will notice.

There is no context where “irregardless” says something “regardless” cannot say. It adds nothing except risk. For other usage questions where one word is the safer pick, see rain vs rein vs reign, make vs do, and bring vs take.

How to Use Regardless Correctly

“Regardless” is typically followed by “of”:

• “Regardless of what you think, the show goes on.”
• “She finished the marathon regardless of the rain.”
• “Regardless, we need a decision by Friday.” (standalone, meaning “in any case”)

It is never followed by “to” or used as a verb. And it never needs the “ir-” — that prefix is the entire controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions