DictionaryrashHasty and careless
adjective

rash

Acting or done too quickly without enough care.

Quitting your job without a backup plan is a rash decision.

Etymology

The adjective has older senses of haste or impetuousness. Its deeper origin is uncertain, but this sense consistently concerns acting before giving adequate thought.

More examples

  • Don't make rash promises you may not be able to keep.
  • It was rash of me to sign without reading the agreement.
  • His decisions grow rasher as he loses patience.

Forms

rash · rasher · rashest

rashly adverb — Too quickly and without enough care.

rashness noun — The tendency to act without enough caution.

Similar words

hasty
Emphasizes excessive speed, without necessarily implying disregard for consequences.
reckless
Emphasizes disregard for danger, even when actions are carefully planned.
impulsive
Emphasizes acting on sudden urges rather than weighing choices.