Top 36 Slang For Irresponsible – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to discussing those who are less than responsible, finding the right words to describe them can be a challenge. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Our team has put together a list of the top slang terms for irresponsible behavior that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even chuckling a bit. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into this enlightening and entertaining compilation.

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1. Slacker

This term refers to someone who is lazy and avoids work or responsibilities. It is often used to describe someone who lacks motivation or ambition.

  • For example, “He’s such a slacker. He never does any work.”
  • In a conversation about a group project, someone might say, “We can’t rely on him, he’s a slacker.”
  • A parent might scold their child by saying, “Stop being a slacker and do your chores.”

2. Deadbeat

A deadbeat is someone who consistently avoids their financial or personal responsibilities. This term is often used to describe someone who doesn’t pay their debts or neglects their obligations.

  • For instance, “He’s a deadbeat dad. He never pays child support.”
  • In a discussion about unreliable roommates, someone might say, “I had to move out because my roommate was a deadbeat.”
  • A person might warn their friend about a potential business partner by saying, “Don’t trust him, he’s a deadbeat.”

3. Flake

A flake is someone who frequently cancels plans or fails to follow through on commitments. This term is often used to describe someone who is unreliable or inconsistent.

  • For example, “She’s such a flake. She always cancels at the last minute.”
  • In a conversation about a friend who never shows up to social events, someone might say, “I can’t count on him, he’s such a flake.”
  • A person might complain about a coworker who doesn’t complete their assigned tasks by saying, “I can’t stand working with her, she’s such a flake.”

4. Screw-up

A screw-up is someone who consistently makes mistakes or fails to meet expectations. This term is often used to describe someone who is incompetent or unreliable.

  • For instance, “He’s a screw-up. He can’t even follow simple instructions.”
  • In a discussion about a coworker who frequently causes problems, someone might say, “We can’t rely on him, he’s a screw-up.”
  • A person might express frustration about their own mistakes by saying, “I feel like such a screw-up.”

5. Ne’er-do-well

A ne’er-do-well is someone who is lazy or lacking in ambition, often resulting in a lack of success or accomplishments. This term is often used to describe someone who is irresponsible or unproductive.

  • For example, “He’s a ne’er-do-well. He never does anything productive.”
  • In a conversation about someone who constantly wastes their potential, someone might say, “He could be successful if he wasn’t such a ne’er-do-well.”
  • A person might express disappointment in themselves by saying, “I feel like a ne’er-do-well for not pursuing my goals.”

6. Good-for-nothing

This term is used to describe someone who is considered to be completely useless or without any redeeming qualities. It implies a lack of motivation or effort in any aspect of life.

  • For example, “He’s such a good-for-nothing, he never does anything around the house.”
  • In a discussion about unreliable employees, someone might say, “We can’t afford to keep hiring good-for-nothings.”
  • A frustrated parent might exclaim, “I can’t believe my son turned out to be such a good-for-nothing!”

7. Delinquent

This term refers to someone, typically a young person, who regularly engages in illegal or irresponsible behavior. It implies a disregard for rules, authority, and societal norms.

  • For instance, “The neighborhood is plagued by a group of delinquents who vandalize property.”
  • In a conversation about troubled youth, someone might say, “We need to find ways to prevent kids from becoming delinquents.”
  • A news report might mention, “The police arrested several delinquents involved in a recent string of burglaries.”

8. Shirk

To shirk means to evade or avoid one’s responsibilities or duties, often by pretending to be busy or by finding excuses. It implies a lack of accountability and a tendency to shift the burden onto others.

  • For example, “He always tries to shirk his share of the workload.”
  • In a discussion about unreliable team members, someone might say, “She’s known for shirking her responsibilities.”
  • A frustrated coworker might complain, “I can’t believe he’s trying to shirk his duties again!”

9. Dodger

A dodger is someone who habitually avoids fulfilling their obligations or commitments. It suggests a pattern of evasiveness and an unwillingness to take responsibility.

  • For instance, “He’s a master dodger when it comes to paying his debts.”
  • In a conversation about unreliable friends, someone might say, “She’s always a dodger when it comes to making plans.”
  • A person recounting their experiences might mention, “I’ve met my fair share of dodgers who never follow through on their promises.”

10. Slouch

This term refers to someone who is lazy, unmotivated, and lacking ambition. It implies a lack of drive and a tendency to be careless or negligent.

  • For example, “He’s such a slouch, he never finishes any of his projects.”
  • In a discussion about underachievers, someone might say, “She’s a talented student, but she’s become a slouch in recent years.”
  • A disappointed parent might lament, “I don’t know how to motivate my slouch of a son!”

11. Loafer

A loafer is someone who is lazy and avoids work or responsibility. It can also refer to someone who spends their time idly or aimlessly.

  • For example, “He’s such a loafer, always sleeping in and never helping with chores.”
  • In a conversation about work ethic, someone might say, “I can’t stand lazy loafers who don’t pull their weight.”
  • A frustrated parent might scold their child by saying, “Stop being a loafer and start doing your homework.”

12. Layabout

A layabout is an idle and irresponsible person who avoids work or productive activities. It is often used to describe someone who spends their time lounging around and not contributing.

  • For instance, “He’s been a layabout ever since he lost his job.”
  • In a discussion about motivation, someone might say, “Don’t be a layabout, get up and do something productive.”
  • A friend might jokingly tease, “You’re such a layabout, always napping and never getting anything done.”

13. Wastrel

A wastrel is someone who is wasteful, extravagant, and irresponsible with their resources, such as money or time. It can also refer to someone who lives a dissolute or aimless lifestyle.

  • For example, “He’s a wastrel who spends all his money on unnecessary luxuries.”
  • In a conversation about financial responsibility, someone might say, “Don’t be a wastrel, save your money for more important things.”
  • A parent might express concern about their child’s lifestyle by saying, “I don’t want you to become a wastrel, make responsible choices.”

14. Shiftless

A shiftless person is someone who is lazy, lacking ambition, and unreliable. It often implies a lack of motivation or willingness to work.

  • For instance, “He’s a shiftless employee who always shows up late and does the bare minimum.”
  • In a discussion about work ethic, someone might say, “I can’t stand shiftless people who don’t take their responsibilities seriously.”
  • A frustrated friend might express their disappointment by saying, “You’re so shiftless, never following through on your commitments.”

15. Bludger

A bludger is a slang term used to describe a lazy and irresponsible person who avoids work or effort. It is often used in Australian English.

  • For example, “He’s such a bludger, always relying on others to do the work.”
  • In a conversation about productivity, someone might say, “Don’t be a bludger, put in some effort and contribute.”
  • A coworker might complain about a lazy colleague by saying, “I can’t believe that bludger gets away with doing nothing all day.”

16. Skiver

A skiver is someone who consistently avoids work or responsibilities. They often try to find ways to skip out on tasks or take advantage of others.

  • For example, “He’s such a skiver. He always finds an excuse to leave early.”
  • In a workplace setting, a colleague might say, “Don’t trust him, he’s a known skiver.”
  • Someone might complain, “I can’t stand working with skivers who don’t pull their weight.”

17. Laggard

A laggard is someone who is consistently slow or behind in completing tasks or meeting deadlines. They often hold up progress and can be seen as unreliable or inefficient.

  • For instance, “We can’t afford to have any laggards on this project.”
  • In a sports context, a coach might say, “Pick up the pace, laggards!”
  • A frustrated coworker might comment, “He’s always the laggard in our team, causing delays.”

18. Malingerer

A malingerer is someone who pretends to be ill or exaggerates their symptoms to avoid work or responsibilities. They often feign illness or injury to escape obligations.

  • For example, “She’s a known malingerer. She always calls in sick on Mondays.”
  • In a school setting, a teacher might say, “Don’t let him fool you, he’s a skilled malingerer.”
  • A coworker might complain, “We’re all working hard while he’s malingering and avoiding his share of the workload.”

19. Sluggard

A sluggard is someone who is habitually lazy or slow-moving. They lack motivation and often procrastinate on tasks, leading to delays or incomplete work.

  • For instance, “He’s such a sluggard. He never gets anything done on time.”
  • In a household setting, a parent might say, “Stop being a sluggard and clean your room.”
  • A frustrated friend might comment, “I can’t rely on her, she’s a sluggard who always cancels plans at the last minute.”

20. Procrastinator

A procrastinator is someone who consistently puts off tasks or delays taking action until the last possible moment. They often struggle with time management and can be seen as unreliable or inefficient.

  • For example, “I’m such a procrastinator. I always leave things until the deadline.”
  • In a work setting, a supervisor might say, “We can’t afford to have any procrastinators on this team.”
  • A friend might tease, “You’re the ultimate delay artist, always leaving things to the last minute.”

21. Lax

This term refers to someone who is not strict or diligent in their responsibilities or duties. It can also describe a person who is relaxed or casual in their approach.

  • For example, a supervisor might say, “You need to stop being so lax with your deadlines.”
  • In a discussion about work ethic, someone might comment, “I can’t stand lax coworkers who don’t pull their weight.”
  • A parent might warn their child, “Don’t be lax about studying for your exams.”

22. Negligent

This term describes someone who fails to take proper care or caution in their actions or responsibilities. It often implies a disregard for the potential consequences of their negligence.

  • For instance, a driver who causes an accident due to texting while driving could be considered negligent.
  • In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “Leaving a young child unattended is negligent.”
  • A supervisor might reprimand an employee, “Your negligent behavior is putting the entire project at risk.”

23. Careless

This term describes someone who acts without thinking or consideration for the potential consequences of their actions. It implies a lack of attention or concern for details or potential harm.

  • For example, a person who constantly loses their keys can be considered careless.
  • In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “His careless words hurt her deeply.”
  • A teacher might scold a student, “Your careless mistakes show a lack of effort.”

24. Reckless

This term describes someone who acts without thinking or considering the potential risks or consequences. It often implies a lack of concern for personal safety or the safety of others.

  • For instance, a person who drives at high speeds and weaves in and out of traffic could be considered reckless.
  • In a discussion about risky behavior, someone might say, “Engaging in unprotected sex is reckless.”
  • A friend might caution another, “Don’t be reckless and try to climb that tree without safety equipment.”

25. Incompetent

This term describes someone who lacks the necessary skills, knowledge, or abilities to perform a task or job effectively. It implies a level of incompetence or inability.

  • For example, a doctor who consistently misdiagnoses patients could be considered incompetent.
  • In a discussion about job performance, someone might say, “Her incompetence is causing delays in the project.”
  • A coach might criticize a player, “His incompetent handling of the ball cost us the game.”

26. Unreliable

This term refers to someone or something that cannot be relied upon or trusted to perform or deliver as expected. It implies a lack of dependability or consistency.

  • For example, if a person consistently fails to show up on time for appointments, they might be described as unreliable.
  • In a work setting, a coworker who frequently misses deadlines and fails to follow through on commitments could be labeled as unreliable.
  • A product that consistently malfunctions or fails to work properly might be described as unreliable.
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27. Undependable

Similar to “unreliable,” this term describes someone or something that cannot be depended on or relied upon. It suggests a lack of trustworthiness and predictability.

  • For instance, if a friend always cancels plans at the last minute, they might be considered undependable.
  • In a professional setting, an employee who frequently calls in sick or fails to complete tasks on time might be labeled as undependable.
  • A vehicle that frequently breaks down or requires repairs could be described as undependable.

28. Irresponsible

This term describes someone who lacks responsibility or fails to fulfill their obligations or duties. It suggests a disregard for consequences and a lack of accountability.

  • For example, a person who consistently neglects their financial responsibilities and fails to pay bills on time might be described as irresponsible.
  • In a parenting context, a caregiver who neglects the needs of their child and fails to provide proper care and supervision could be labeled as irresponsible.
  • A driver who frequently engages in reckless behavior and disregards traffic laws might be considered irresponsible.

29. Unaccountable

This term refers to someone who is not held responsible or answerable for their actions or decisions. It implies a lack of transparency and a failure to take ownership of one’s behavior.

  • For instance, if a public official fails to explain or justify their actions to the public, they might be labeled as unaccountable.
  • In a personal context, a friend who consistently breaks promises and fails to take responsibility for their mistakes might be considered unaccountable.
  • A company that refuses to provide explanations or justifications for its actions might be described as unaccountable.
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30. Neglectful

This term describes someone who fails to give proper attention or care to a person, task, or responsibility. It suggests a lack of diligence and a disregard for the well-being or importance of something.

  • For example, a parent who consistently fails to provide necessary care and attention to their child might be described as neglectful.
  • In a professional setting, an employee who consistently overlooks important details and fails to complete tasks properly might be labeled as neglectful.
  • A homeowner who fails to maintain their property and allows it to fall into disrepair could be considered neglectful.

31. Indolent

This term refers to someone who is habitually lazy or avoids work and responsibilities.

  • For example, “He never lifts a finger around the house, he’s so indolent.”
  • A coworker might complain, “She’s always taking long breaks and shirking her duties. She’s indolent.”
  • Someone might describe a friend as, “He’s indolent, always procrastinating and putting off important tasks.”

32. Bum

This slang term is used to describe someone who avoids work and lives off others by relying on their generosity or resources.

  • For instance, “He’s been crashing on my couch for months without contributing anything. He’s such a bum.”
  • A frustrated roommate might say, “She never pays her share of the bills and expects us to cover for her. She’s a total bum.”
  • Someone might describe a person who constantly asks for money as, “He’s always borrowing cash and never paying it back. He’s a real bum.”

33. Untrustworthy

This term describes someone who cannot be relied upon or trusted to follow through on their commitments or obligations.

  • For example, “I wouldn’t lend him money, he’s untrustworthy and never pays back.”
  • A coworker might warn, “Don’t believe anything she says, she’s completely untrustworthy.”
  • Someone might describe a friend as, “He’s untrustworthy, always making promises he can’t keep.”

34. Unrestrained

This term refers to someone who lacks self-control or discipline, often behaving in an irresponsible or reckless manner.

  • For instance, “He parties all night and never shows up for work on time. He’s completely unrestrained.”
  • A parent might complain, “My teenager is so unrestrained, always breaking the rules and disregarding authority.”
  • Someone might describe a driver who constantly speeds and takes risks as, “He’s so unrestrained behind the wheel.”

35. Slubberdegullion

This term is an old-fashioned slang for a lazy, messy, and irresponsible person.

  • For example, “Look at his room, it’s a complete mess. He’s a real slubberdegullion.”
  • A frustrated roommate might say, “She never cleans up after herself and leaves dirty dishes everywhere. She’s such a slubberdegullion.”
  • Someone might describe a coworker who constantly misses deadlines and neglects their work as, “He’s a slubberdegullion, always slacking off and producing subpar work.”

36. Slubber

Slubber refers to someone who is negligent or careless in their actions or responsibilities. It can also describe someone who is lazy or sloppy in their work.

  • For example, “He’s always slubbering his chores and leaving them unfinished.”
  • In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “Leaving a child unattended is slubber behavior.”
  • A supervisor might reprimand an employee by saying, “Your slubber attitude towards your work is unacceptable.”