The word “irregardless” is a term that often sparks debate among language enthusiasts, educators, and writers. It is frequently used in spoken language and informal contexts, but its status as a “proper” word in standard English is questionable.
In terms of official recognition, major dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, and Collins do not list “irregardless” as a standard word. Merriam-Webster explicitly notes that “irregardless” is a nonstandard or dialectal variant of “regardless.” While it may be found in some dictionaries’ entries, it is marked as informal, colloquial, or nonstandard, indicating that it is not accepted in formal writing or speech.
“Irregardless” is a relatively recent addition to English, believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. Its origin appears to be a blend or confusion of “regardless” and “irrespective.” The prefix “ir-” and the suffix “-less” typically negate a word, but “regardless” already conveys negation, meaning “without regard” or “despite anything.” The addition of “ir-” seems redundant, leading many to consider “irregardless” a double negative, which can cause confusion or be viewed as incorrect in standard usage.
This word is often used in informal speech, regional dialects, and colloquial contexts, especially in North American English. People might say “irregardless of the weather” to mean “regardless of the weather.” Despite its widespread usage in speech, many language authorities and style guides advise against its use in formal writing because it is considered redundant and nonstandard. The double negative (“ir-“) combined with “regardless” can create ambiguity or be seen as a linguistic mistake.
For clarity and correctness, the recommended alternative is simply “regardless.” This word is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts and accurately conveys the intended meaning without redundancy or confusion. Other acceptable phrases include “despite,” “in spite of,” or “without regard to,” depending on the context.
In summary, “irregardless” is a real word in the sense that it is used by some speakers and appears in colloquial speech and some nonstandard dictionaries. However, it is not recognized as standard English and is generally discouraged in formal writing. Its origins stem from a mistaken combination of “ir-” and “regardless,” and the proper, widely accepted term to use is “regardless.” Using “regardless” ensures clarity, correctness, and adherence to standard language norms.