irresponsible
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irresponsible
Acting without considering the possible negative consequences for oneself or others; irresponsible and reckless.
Es ist unverantwortlich, bei diesem schlechten Wetter ohne die richtige Ausrüstung in die Berge zu gehen.
It is irresponsible to go into the mountains in this bad weather without the right equipment.
The word is the direct opposite of 'verantwortlich' (responsible). The prefix 'un-' negates the meaning and expresses that someone or something does not take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions.
Sein Verhalten den Kindern gegenüber war absolut unverantwortlich.
His behavior toward the children was absolutely irresponsible.
A very common construction is 'Es ist unverantwortlich, ... zu ...' (It is irresponsible to ...). This lets you evaluate an action without addressing a person directly.
Es ist unverantwortlich, so schnell durch eine Wohnsiedlung zu fahren.
It is irresponsible to drive so fast through a residential area.
The word is often used to strongly criticize behavior or an action. It can refer to a person or to an act.
Du bist unverantwortlich!
You are irresponsible!
negligent
Both words criticize risky behavior. Fahrlässig is especially appropriate when someone fails to exercise the required care and this could cause harm. Unverantwortlich gives a more general assessment that someone does not take possible consequences or their responsibility seriously; a specific duty of care does not have to be the main issue.
Die Leiterin handelte unverantwortlich, weil sie die Gruppe trotz der Unwetterwarnung zum Ausflug losschickte.
The leader acted irresponsibly because she sent the group on the outing despite the severe weather warning.
Die Leiterin handelte fahrlässig, weil sie die vorgeschriebene Sicherheitskontrolle vor dem Ausflug ausließ.
The leader acted negligently because she skipped the required safety check before the outing.
