What does regardless mean?
Regardless means without considering a particular circumstance, obstacle, consequence, or condition. Its standard use is in the expression "regardless of," as in "regardless of the weather," which means that the weather will not affect the decision or action. It can also stand alone to mean that something will happen in any event, whatever the circumstances: "He went regardless." The word is used in both formal and informal contexts and has a slightly emphatic, determined quality. It is often appropriate when describing a decision made despite possible risks, costs, objections, or practical difficulties. Although it can be followed by a noun phrase without "of" in some constructions, "regardless of" is the most established and natural pattern. Overall, the word is useful for indicating that an action or principle is not subject to exceptions.
Without regard to a particular factor, circumstance, or consequence; in any event.
"The service will continue regardless of the weather."
Most often used with "of"; used alone, it can sound emphatic or somewhat formal.
Without consideration of circumstances, objections, or consequences; in any event.
"The decision was made on time, regardless of the last-minute changes."
This use is established but less common than the adverbial use, especially in the pattern "regardless of."
Say "regardless of" and you can sweep aside every obstacle or consideration in the sentence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regardless come from?
The word was formed in English from "regard" and the suffix "-less," with the sense of "without regard to." Its history reflects the older meaning of regarding something as important or worthy of attention, while "disregard" developed from the same root with a contrasting meaning. The form is related in origin to "regard" and "disregard," although its modern idiomatic use is especially associated with the phrase "regardless of."
Related word forms
How regardless is actually used
In formal and informal English alike, "regardless" is most natural before "of." Used without "of," it has a concise, emphatic meaning and is sometimes perceived as slightly formal or rhetorical. "Regardless" is nonrestrictive: it does not say that something is unimportant, only that it is not being considered as a determining factor.