Quick Answer: Which One is Correct?
The standard, correct word is Regardless. It means “without regard” or “in spite of everything.”
Irregardless is widely considered incorrect in standard English. It is a nonstandard word often formed by accidentally mixing “regardless” with “irrespective.” While it appears in some dictionaries, it is labeled as nonstandard or colloquial and should be avoided in professional writing.
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If you have ever been corrected in the middle of a sentence for saying “irregardless,” you are certainly not alone. It is one of the most debated words in the English language. Technically, the debate usually ends quickly: grammarians and editors almost universally agree that regardless is the only standard option. Using the other version can make your writing seem unpolished or informal.
Understanding why one is preferred over the other requires looking at how we build negative words. Once you see the logical error hidden inside “irregardless,” you will likely never make the mistake again.
Regardless vs. Irregardless: The Core Difference
The primary issue here is redundancy. When you analyze the structure of the words, one is efficient and clear, while the other cancels itself out.
Why “Regardless” is Correct
The word regardless is composed of two parts:
- Regard: Meaning attention, concern, or consideration.
- -less: A suffix meaning “without.”
Therefore, regardless literally means “without regard to” or “without paying attention to.” This is exactly what you mean when you say, “I am going to the park, regardless of the rain.”
Why “Irregardless” is Incorrect
The term irregardless contains a logical contradiction known as a double negative. Let’s break it down:
- Ir-: A prefix meaning “not” (as in irreversible or irregular).
- Regard: Consideration.
- -less: A suffix meaning “without.”
When you combine them, “ir-regardless” technically translates to “not without regard.” In standard English logic, two negatives make a positive. So, strictly speaking, irregardless would mean “with regard”—which is the exact opposite of what the speaker intends to say.
Why Do People Say Irregardless?
If it is logically wrong, why is it so common? Linguists believe this is a result of portmanteau confusion (blending two words). Speakers likely conflate two different words that have similar meanings:
Word A: Irrespective
Means “not taking into account.”
Word B: Regardless
Means “in spite of.”
When your brain tries to reach for both words at the same time, it often splices the prefix Ir- from irrespective onto the base of regardless, creating the hybrid error “irregardless.” Source-1✅
Comparison: Usage and Acceptance
Below is a breakdown of how these words are viewed in different contexts.
| Word | Status | Acceptability | Dictionary Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regardless | Standard | Accepted universally (Formal & Informal). | Primary definition. |
| Irregardless | Nonstandard | Avoid in writing; tolerated in casual speech. | Often labeled “colloquial” or “nonstandard.” |
Real-World Examples
To ensure your writing is semantically correct and professional, always swap the nonstandard term for the standard one.
Scenario 1: You are continuing with a plan despite bad weather.
❌ Wrong: We will continue the picnic irregardless of the rain.
✅ Correct: We will continue the picnic regardless of the rain.
Scenario 2: Expressing a firm decision.
❌ Wrong: Irregardless of what you say, I am buying this car.
✅ Correct: Regardless of what you say, I am buying this car.
Is “Irregardless” Actually a Real Word?
This is a tricky question. Many people argue that because it is in the dictionary, it must be “correct.” However, dictionaries are descriptive, not prescriptive. This means they record words that people use, not just words that are logically perfect.
Major dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster include “irregardless” simply because people have been saying it for over a century (it first appeared in print around 1912). However, they almost always tag it with a warning label such as nonstandard or humorous. This label is the dictionary’s way of saying, “People say this, but you probably shouldn’t use it in a job application.”
Better Alternatives to Use
If you find yourself about to say “irregardless” and want to correct course, there are several stronger, formal alternatives you can use to convey the same meaning.
- Irrespective of: “We must proceed, irrespective of the cost.”
- Despite: “We played soccer despite the mud.”
- Notwithstanding: “The law was passed, objections notwithstanding.”
- In any case: “It might rain, but in any case, we are leaving.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Irregardless
Is irregardless a real word?
Technically, yes, it is a “real” word because it appears in dictionaries and is used by people. However, it is classified as nonstandard. In formal writing and professional contexts, it is considered an error and should be avoided in favor of “regardless.”
Can I use irregardless in casual conversation?
What is the origin of irregardless?
It originated in the early 20th century, likely as a dialectal blend of “irrespective” and “regardless.” It was popularized in spoken English in the United States but has never been accepted in formal written English.
Does irregardless mean the opposite of regardless?
Logically, the prefix “ir-” (meaning not) suggests it should mean the opposite (i.e., “with regard”). However, in actual usage, people use it to mean exactly the same thing as “regardless.” This logical contradiction is why it is criticized by grammarians.
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