Meaning and Usage
The adjective '무책임하다' describes someone or something that lacks responsibility or behaves irresponsibly. It is often used to criticize actions, decisions, or attitudes that neglect duties or cause problems due to carelessness.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in social, workplace, and personal contexts where accountability is expected. For example, it can describe a person's behavior, a decision made without consideration, or an attitude that ignores consequences.
Collocations and Patterns
- 무책임한 행동 (irresponsible behavior): Describes careless or thoughtless actions.
- 무책임한 결정 (irresponsible decision): Refers to decisions made without proper consideration.
- 무책임한 태도 (irresponsible attitude): Indicates a careless or neglectful mindset.
Register and Politeness
'무책임하다' is neutral in formality but carries a negative connotation. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when expressing criticism.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '무책임하다' with '책임감이 없다' (to lack a sense of responsibility). While similar, '무책임하다' often implies active irresponsibility or neglect, whereas '책임감이 없다' can be more neutral or descriptive of a personality trait.