Regardless means without being affected by something or paying attention to obstacles. When you do something regardless, you move forward with your plan no matter what else is happening.

If you practice piano every day regardless of the weather, you practice whether it's sunny, rainy, or snowing. If a scientist continues her research regardless of criticism, she keeps working even when others doubt her ideas. The word captures a kind of determination: you've decided what matters, and you're sticking with it.

You'll often hear the phrase regardless of, as in “We're having the picnic regardless of the forecast” or “She treats everyone kindly regardless of how they treat her.” This shows that the person has made a choice that won't be changed by outside circumstances.

Some people mistakenly say “irregardless.” Many dictionaries list it, but it is widely considered nonstandard. It can also be confusing, so it's better to just say regardless.

When you act regardless of difficulty or inconvenience, you show commitment to what you think is right or important. It's the attitude of someone who has chosen their path and won't be easily deterred.