Is 'Irregardless' a Real Word? The Simple Answer for English Learners
A Cambridge Veritas usage guide to what irregardless means, why people argue about it, and what to use in exams, work, and formal writing.
Cambridge Veritas Team
English & IELTS Specialists
Quick Summary
- Irregardless is a word because people use it with a clear meaning.
- It means the same thing as regardless.
- It is usually considered nonstandard, so it can sound careless in formal English.
- For IELTS, academic writing, professional emails, and presentations, use regardless.
- A word can be “real” and still not be the best choice.
Good English is not only “Is this a word?” It is also “Is this the right word for this situation?”
The Quick Answer
Yes, irregardless is a real word in the sense that people use it with a clear meaning. It means regardless.
But here is the part learners really need: it is usually considered nonstandard. That means it may be understood, but it can sound careless in exams, interviews, business emails, academic writing, and formal presentations.
Usage Chart: What Should You Use?
Word
Status
Best Use
Example
regardless
Standard and safe
Use in exams, emails, reports, interviews, and formal speaking.
We will continue regardless of the delay.
irregardless
Nonstandard
People use it, but many listeners dislike it or judge it.
Avoid it in formal or professional English.
despite
Standard alternative
Use before a noun phrase.
Despite the delay, we will continue.
even so
Natural connector
Use when contrasting two ideas.
The task is difficult. Even so, we can finish it.
Why Do People Use Irregardless?
It has a clear meaning
People use it to mean “regardless” or “despite the situation.”
It has been used for a long time
A word can enter real usage even if teachers and editors do not recommend it.
It feels doubled
The prefix ir- sounds negative, and -less is also negative, so many people feel the word is unnecessary.
It carries social judgement
Some people hear it and think the speaker is careless, even if the meaning is clear.
Usage Tip
A word can be real, understandable, and still not recommended. For polished English, choose the word your reader will trust.
What To Say Instead
IELTS essay
Use regardless, despite, or nevertheless.
Business email
Use regardless or despite.
Academic presentation
Use regardless.
Casual conversation
You may hear irregardless, but regardless is still safer.
Teaching learners
Explain that real usage and recommended usage are not always the same.
Should I Use Irregardless?
Formal English?
Use regardless
This is the safest choice.
Casual English?
You may hear irregardless
Understand it, but do not copy it blindly.
Want polished English?
Choose standard words
Regardless, despite, nevertheless.
Rewrite These for Formal English
Risky
Irregardless of the deadline, we need quality.
Regardless of the deadline, we need quality.
Too informal
Irregardless, I will submit the report.
Regardless, I will submit the report.
Clearer
Irregardless of the cost, the project continued.
Despite the cost, the project continued.
Exam-safe
Irregardless of public opinion, governments must act.
Regardless of public opinion, governments must act.
In Cambridge Veritas classes, we teach both recognition and production: recognise nonstandard forms when you hear them, but produce standard forms when your English needs to sound polished.
Mini Practice
Choose the better word for formal writing:
______ of the result, we should review the process. (Regardless / Irregardless)
Next Step: Learn Which English Fits the Moment
Fluency is not only grammar. It is judgement. You learn what sounds casual, formal, polite, academic, confident, or risky. Cambridge Veritas Advanced Fluency helps learners make those choices naturally.
Build Polished, Situation-Smart English
Improve grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and formal communication with Cambridge Veritas Advanced Fluency.