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When is it better to use the word 'Irregardless' rather than 'regardless'?

Question #152443. Asked by odo5435.
Last updated May 19 2026.
Originally posted May 16 2026 8:37 AM.

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LadyNym star
Answer has 13 votes
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LadyNym star
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12 year member
155 replies avatar

Answer has 13 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
Never, as the Merriam-Webster dictionary appropriately points out: link https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregardless

May 16 2026, 8:42 AM
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rossian star
Answer has 2 votes
rossian star
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21 year member
156 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
Although irregardless has become fairly common, many sites point out that it is a double negative since the prefix 'ir' and the suffix 'less' mean the same. Using the word changes its meaning from 'without regard' to 'with regard' under strict grammatical rules. In common language it might pass unnoticed but using it in an essay is likely to get your work downgraded.

As my daughter would confirm, I'm pedantic, so would avoid using the word myself.

Grammarly has an interesting article here which debates both sides of the argument: link https://www.grammarly.com/blog/vocabulary/irregardless/

Response last updated by rossian on May 18 2026.
May 18 2026, 8:24 AM
odo5435
Answer has 1 vote
odo5435
15 year member
183 replies

Answer has 1 vote.
Anyways, irregardless of what Grammarly says, I will unmercilessly continue to orientate my language towards speaking English proper.

May 19 2026, 5:34 AM
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looney_tunes star
Answer has 2 votes
looney_tunes star
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21 year member
3359 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
It's a bit like the flammable/inflammable situation, but I am nevertheless firmly on the side of the pedants.

May 19 2026, 6:28 PM
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