Regardless vs Irregardless: Which Is Correct?

Reviewed by the Grammarlyzer Editorial Team · Our Review Standards · Published June 14, 2026 · Updated June 14, 2026

Regardless is the standard word; irregardless is widely treated as an error — here is why.

Word Origins & Etymology

Regardless = regard + the suffix -less, "without." It already means "without regard," so it is complete on its own.

Irregardless adds the prefix ir- ("not") to a word that already means "without regard," creating a double negative. It likely arose by blending irrespective and regardless.

🔗 Why Irregardless Is Redundant

The -less in regardless already means "without." Adding ir- ("not") cancels it out: "not without regard" is the opposite of what people mean. That redundancy is why careful writers avoid it.

⚡ Quick Answer

Regardless is the correct, standard word: it means without regard or despite. "We’ll go regardless of the weather."

Irregardless is nonstandard — widely regarded as an error. Use regardless instead.

Memory Trick: Regardless already says "without regard" (the -less does the work). Adding ir- is one negative too many — drop it.

🔑 Key Takeaway

Always use regardless. "Irregardless" is a double negative (ir- + -less) that means the opposite of what speakers intend; it is not accepted in formal writing.

Word Status Means Use it?
Regardless Standard Without regard; despite Yes — always
Irregardless Nonstandard (intended) without regard No — avoid
Irrespective Standard Without regard to Yes (a fine alternative)

Quick Comparison

Word Verdict Why
regardless Correct -less already means "without"
irregardless Avoid ir- + -less is a double negative
irrespective Correct a clean synonym for regardless

Use "Regardless"

Regardless means without paying attention to something, or in spite of it. It is usually followed by "of."

✓ Regardless = without regard / despite
  • The match will go ahead regardless of the rain.
  • Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.
  • She kept going regardless.

Why "Irregardless" Is a Problem

Irregardless stacks two negatives: the prefix ir- ("not") on top of the suffix -less ("without"). Literally, it would mean "not without regard" — the opposite of the intended sense.

✓ Replace irregardless with regardless
  • We’re proceeding regardless. (not "irregardless")
  • They accept everyone regardless of age.

The honest note: "irregardless" does appear in some dictionaries, labeled nonstandard because it is used in speech. But in writing — especially formal or academic — it marks an error. A safe alternative is irrespective. For another commonly criticized form, see alot vs a lot.

Why You Still Hear "Irregardless"

Irregardless has circulated in spoken English for over a century, which is why it sounds familiar — but longevity has not made it standard. Careful editors still treat it as an error, so it can quietly undercut your credibility in formal writing. If you want a word weightier than regardless, reach for irrespective ("irrespective of cost"), which is fully standard and means the same thing. Save the prefix ir- for words where it genuinely adds a negative, like irrelevant or irresponsible.

Use "Regardless Of" the Right Way

Knowing the correct word is half the job; placing it well is the other half. Regardless works in two shapes. As a full prepositional phrase it takes of: "the trip is on regardless of the weather," "they pressed ahead regardless of cost." As a bare adverb it caps a clause: "the weather was awful; they went regardless." The reason irregardless is treated as an error is built into its shape: -less already means "without," so the prefix ir- doubles the negation and cancels itself, leaving a word that literally says the opposite of what speakers intend. Dictionaries that list it still tag it nonstandard, which is editor-speak for "not in formal writing." Whenever you are tempted to write "irregardless of," simply delete the first three letters — regardless of — and the sentence is correct and shorter.

Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: using "irregardless"

✗ Wrong: Irregardless of the cost, we are buying it.
✓ Right: Regardless of the cost, we are buying it.
Reason: "Irregardless" is a nonstandard double negative; use regardless.

Mistake #2: "irregardless" in writing

✗ Wrong: The policy applies irregardless of rank.
✓ Right: The policy applies regardless of rank.
Reason: Formal writing requires regardless (or irrespective).

Mistake #3: "regardless to"

✗ Wrong: Regardless to the weather, we left.
✓ Right: Regardless of the weather, we left.
Reason: The standard phrase is "regardless of," not "regardless to."

Mistake #4: "irrregardless" (and other respellings)

✗ Wrong: Irrespective and irregardless mean the same, so either is fine.
✓ Right: Use irrespective or regardless; avoid irregardless.
Reason: Irrespective is standard; irregardless is not.

🎯 Test Your Knowledge

1. Which is the standard word?

2. We will continue ____ of the delay.

3. Which phrase is correct?

4. A safe formal synonym for "regardless" is:

5. Why avoid "irregardless"?

See It Live: Our Engine Flags a Real Mistake

Type below and the engine checks it on the spot, locally. The starter sentence uses the nonstandard irregardless; correct it to regardless or test your own.

Expected correction: Regardless of the forecast, the festival will go ahead.

Honest limits: the engine flags many nonstandard forms, but usage judgments can vary by context. In formal writing, prefer regardless or irrespective, then run the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "irregardless" a real word?

It appears in some dictionaries labeled "nonstandard," but it is widely treated as an error in writing. Use "regardless."

Why is "irregardless" considered incorrect?

It is a double negative: ir- ("not") plus -less ("without"). Literally "not without regard," the opposite of what people mean.

What should I use instead of "irregardless"?

Use "regardless," or the formal synonym "irrespective (of)."

Is it "regardless of" or "regardless to"?

It is "regardless of" ("regardless of the weather"). "Regardless to" is incorrect.

Can "regardless" stand alone without "of"?

Yes — "We went regardless" means "anyway." With a noun, use "regardless of."

Real-World Examples

💼 Business:

We ship worldwide, regardless of order size.

Regardless = without regard to.
🎓 Academic:

The rule applies irrespective of seniority.

Irrespective = standard synonym.
⚽ Sports:

The game continued regardless of the downpour.

Regardless of = despite.
🗣️ Daily:

It was hard, but she finished regardless.

Regardless = anyway (stands alone).
⚖️ Policy:

Benefits are granted regardless of marital status.

Regardless of = without regard to.
📣 Daily:

Everyone gets a vote, regardless of rank.

Regardless of = no matter the.
❌ Common Mistake:

Irregardless of the risks, they invested.

Wrong: use "Regardless of the risks."
❌ Common Mistake:

We proceeded irregardless.

Wrong: "We proceeded regardless."

Why "Irregardless" Spreads

Irregardless spreads because it sounds emphatic and blends two real words, irrespective and regardless. The extra prefix feels like it adds force, but it actually creates a double negative. Since "regardless" already means "without regard," the safest choice in any setting is to drop the ir-.

Regardless vs irregardless is a usage question, like alot vs a lot and all right vs alright.

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