Regardless vs. Irregardless
“Regardless” is the standard form meaning without regard to circumstances. “Irregardless” is an attested nonstandard form, especially associated with US usage; it has the same intended meaning, so an authority guide should label its register accurately rather than deny that the form is genuinely attested.
Use “regardless” in standard edited English. “Irregardless” is documented and understood with the same meaning, but Cambridge labels it US nonstandard and American Heritage treats it as nonstandard rather than unattested.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| standard edited English meaning “without regard to” | regardless | Use the standard form. |
| attested form with the same intended meaning | irregardless | It is documented and understood, but the reviewed dictionaries label it nonstandard. |
| formal or edited prose | regardless | Prefer the standard form unless reproducing or discussing nonstandard usage. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you writing standard edited English?
If yes: Use “regardless.”
If no: “Irregardless” is attested and understood, especially in US-associated usage, but remains labeled nonstandard in the reviewed sources.
Caveat: “Irregardless” is not treated as nonexistent; the distinction is standard versus documented nonstandard usage.
Examples
We continued regardless of the rain.
“Regardless” is the standard edited-English choice.
Irregardless, they continued with the plan.
The form is attested but labeled nonstandard by the reviewed sources.
Use “regardless” when editing for a standard formal register.
The recommendation is register-based, not a claim that the other form is unattested.
Usage notes
Documented nonstandard usage; avoid labeling it globally nonexistent or meaningless.
Cambridge marks the form as US nonstandard.
Further guidance
Irregardless
Irregardless is attested in real English and means regardless, but the reviewed dictionaries label it nonstandard.
Regardless
Regardless is the standard adverb meaning without being affected by or taking account of something.
Usage Boundary
The useful distinction is standardness/register, not “real word” versus “not a word.” Writers targeting standard edited English should normally choose regardless.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Regardless — meaning and usage (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Standard regardless meaning and usage
- Irregardless — usage label (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · US nonstandard label and meaning
- Irregardless — usage note (opens in a new tab)American Heritage Dictionary · Attested nonstandard status and standard-English boundary