irresponsible
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irresponsible
Acting without thinking about the consequences or considering one's duties; without a sense of responsibility.
Es war verantwortungslos, die Kinder allein am See spielen zu lassen.
It was irresponsible to let the children play alone by the lake.
The word is a combination of 'Verantwortung' (responsibility) and the suffix '-los' (-less), which means 'without.' So 'verantwortungslos' (irresponsible) literally describes acting without responsibility.
Sein Umgang mit Geld ist absolut verantwortungslos.
His handling of money is absolutely irresponsible.
A very common construction is 'Es ist verantwortungslos, ... zu ...' (It is irresponsible to ...). With this pattern, you can judge a specific action as irresponsible.
Es ist verantwortungslos, bei diesem Wetter ohne Winterreifen zu fahren.
It is irresponsible to drive in this weather without winter tires.
'Verantwortungslos' (irresponsible) is often used to describe nouns such as 'Handeln' (actions), 'Verhalten' (behavior), or 'Entscheidung' (decision).
Dieses verantwortungslose Verhalten wird Konsequenzen haben.
This irresponsible behavior will have consequences.
The word can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly next to the verb.
Er hat das Geld verantwortungslos ausgegeben.
He spent the money irresponsibly.
negligent
Both words can criticize behavior that puts others at risk. Fahrlässig more precisely describes failing to exercise the required care, which could result in harm. Verantwortungslos is broader and is appropriate when someone generally fails to consider possible consequences or their duties.
Die Leiterin handelte verantwortungslos, weil sie die Gruppe trotz der Unwetterwarnung losschickte.
The leader acted irresponsibly because she sent the group out despite the severe weather warning.
Die Leiterin handelte fahrlässig, weil sie die vorgeschriebene Kontrolle der Ausrüstung ausließ.
The leader acted negligently because she skipped the required equipment check.
