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rash

rash

3 4.3
Acting without careful thought and likely to cause problems
  • adjective
  • /ræʃ/
translation icon : imprudente
  • Promise you won't hurt yourself, or do something rash or foolish.

Now this does not mean you need to be rash about it.

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Examples

  • I was making very rash, very impulsive decisions.

  • While teens are often unfairly stereotyped as rash or impulsive, research reveals a more complex story.

  • - Maybe I was too rash.

  • Sir, Mr. President, I know this seems terrible... ...but let's not be too rash.

  • Time will reveal them as rash and you as wise.

  • My actions may appear somewhat rash or foolish, but I did what I believed was right.

  • To assume they are avoidable would be rash and misleading.

  • She's much too rash and impulsive to be your teacher.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • STACY: There are moments in life where you hope your decisions weren't rash.

  • Making a decision without thinking it through can be very rash and lead to regret later.

Synonyms

irresponsible
vsrash
203 3.2

Not thinking about what will happen after you act

is about acting without thought rather than a lack of responsibility
reckless
vsrash
193 3.6

Acting without care about danger or the results

is about acting without careful thought rather than only ignoring danger
impulsive
vsrash
78 4.4

Acting suddenly without careful thought because of a strong feeling

is about general lack of consideration, not necessarily sudden desire
foolhardy
vsrash
16 7.4

Taking dangerous risks without thinking about what will happen

is similar but stresses lack of careful consideration rather than boldness
impetuous
vsrash
14 8.0

To act quickly without thinking about the results

is broader, covering any lack of consideration beyond mere speed
careless
vsrash
14 1.0

A lack of attention that causes mistakes or harm

is about acting without thought rather than inattentive behaviour
devil-may-care
vsrash
  • Informal
4 8.1

Not caring about danger or the bad results of actions

is about sudden action without thought rather than a relaxed attitude
heady
vsrash
1 7.9

Not caring about danger or bad results

is similar but emphasizes impulsive or unplanned action instead of defiance
incautious
vsrash
1 6.7

Not careful about possible danger or harm

is more about impulsive or reckless choice than simple carelessness
temerarious
vsrash
  • Archaic
9.9

Very bold in a way that ignores danger

is like daring but focuses on thoughtlessness rather than presumptuousness

Antonyms

210 2.9

Careful to avoid risk or mistakes

19 3.2

Paying careful attention to what is happening

Idioms

Giving someone too much attention in a way that annoys them

Compounds

A quick choice made without thinking that often causes problems

5 2.0

Red, sore skin on a baby's bottom and thighs caused by a wet or dirty diaper

4 3.0

A red, itchy area on the skin that may have spots or bumps

3 5.7

Skin scraped when someone falls or slides on hard ground

1 3.5

A skin irritation with small red bumps that appears when it is hot and humid

1 5.2

A decision made quickly without careful thought

1 4.6

A quick careless remark that can upset people

hangar rash
  • Jargon
8.1

Small scratches and dents on an airplane caused by careless handling in a hangar

nettle rash
  • Specialized
7.2

Itchy skin reaction that makes raised pale spots with red edges after contact with certain plants or other allergens

How Reckless

foolhardy
16 7.4
reckless
193 3.6
rash
3 4.3
impetuous
14 8.0
hasty
63 3.9

Surface Forms

rash positive
rasher comparative
rashest superlative

Etymology

The adjective rash originally meant 'hasty' or 'quick'. So a rash decision is one made too fast without thinking. A helpful way to remember it is to think of acting in a 'rush'.