What's the difference between regardless and irregardless?

Question

What's the difference between regardless and irregardless?

Answer 1

Irregardless is either a combination of in + regardless (which would mean "not regardless") or a portmanteau of irrespective + regardless. I've heard both. It's used to mean the same thing as regardless. Just always use regardless.

To anyone who says irregardless isn't a word because it's made up, this might come as a shock to you, but all words are made up.

Answer 2

They mean the same thing. 'Regardless' came first; people over-correcting their speech created the redundant 'irregardless.' 'Irregardless' is rarely accepted as being proper grammar, though it's used commonly anyway.

Answer 3

"Regardless" is a proper English word.  "Irregardless" is considered non-standard, which means it's grouped together with expressions such as "ain't", "they was" or "would of done".  If you use it in anything but extremely informal context, you'll be considered uneducated.

Answer 4

irregardless is a made up word :)

somebody just made a mistake when they wrote/said that, they probably meant "regardless".

Answer 5

"Irregardless" is redundant and erroneous.  It would mean - "without disregard" or hence "caring".   The correct term is "regardless" meaning "without regard".

Answer 6

"Regardless" is a real word. "Irregardless" is not.