Dictionary
irregardless
adverb ir·re·gard·less \ˌir-i-ˈgärd-ləs\
Definition of IRREGARDLESS
nonstandardUsage Discussion of IRREGARDLESS
Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word.” There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.
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Examples of IRREGARDLESS
- I told them that irregardless of what you read in books, they's some members of the theatrical profession that occasionally visits the place where they sleep. —Ring Lardner, The Big Town, 1921
Origin of IRREGARDLESS
probably blend of irrespective and regardless
First Known Use: circa 1912
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