Meaning and Usage
The noun '무책임' means 'irresponsibility' or 'lack of responsibility.' It is often used to criticize someone's careless or negligent behavior that causes problems for others.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '무책임' in conversations about work, relationships, or social duties where someone fails to fulfill their obligations. It carries a negative connotation and is used to express disapproval.
Collocations and Patterns
- 무책임한 행동 (irresponsible behavior): Describes careless or thoughtless actions.
- 무책임한 결정 (irresponsible decision): Refers to decisions made without considering consequences.
- 무책임하다 (to be irresponsible): The adjective form used to describe a person or action.
Register and Politeness
'무책임' is neutral in formality but is generally used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as workplace discussions or news reports. It is not a casual word for everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '무책임' with '책임감' (sense of responsibility). Remember that '무책임' negates responsibility and is used to criticize, while '책임감' praises responsibility.