Ábyrgðarlausa

Ábyrgðarlausa is an Icelandic adjective meaning “without responsibility” or “reckless.” The term is composed of the prefix ábyrgð, which refers to responsibility or liability, and the suffix –lausa, which denotes the lack of a noun. It is used to describe actions, behavior or individuals that exhibit an absence of due care or accountability, often implying a disregard for the consequences of one’s conduct.

In everyday speech ábyrgðarlausa may be applied to motorists who drive aggressively, to workers who neglect safety procedures, or to public officials who act without regard for legal or ethical obligations. The word is commonly found in journalistic language, legal commentary and public discourse, especially when discussing cases of negligence or malpractice.

In the Icelandic legal system, the concept underlying ábyrgðarlausa is related to “aleg" or “alegr: lack of negligence liability. A person described as ábyrgðarlausa may be considered liable under civil or criminal law if their conduct results in injury, damage, or other harm. Courts may use the term in judgments to emphasize that the defendant’s state of mind, or lack of prudent behavior, contributed to the adverse outcome.

The adjective can also have a more colloquial dimension, describing someone who acts impulsively or irresponsibly in everyday life. In such contexts it may simply convey a judgment that the person is not dependable or has a careless attitude towards others’ well-being.