Many Dictionaries do not list it at all. Or have it listed in the appendix sections under “easily confused words” or “Commonly Confused Words” with the side note “Use Regardless instead”

However, full vindication came in the form of the Oxford American Dictionary which actually lists the word, (due to the overuse of this incorrect word) But gives the following as it’s definition:

Irregardless: (disp.=REGARDLESS) Though in widespread use, this word should be avoided in favor of Regardless. (See Regardless) Still they need to go one step further to make this word finally disappear and clearly define it as a mistake:

Hence the definition should be worded a little more like:
Irregardless: Irregardless is not an actual word. It is an incorrect usage of the word Regardless. As it’s meaning would clearly be the same as having regard. Though it is a common mistake that is now in widespread use, the word should be avoided in favor of regardless

I believe it has to be clearly defined as many proponents of the “word” “Irregardless” are starting to use the more vague definitions of some of the lesser dictionaries as support for the “so called word”.

If having an entry in the dictionary doesn’t mean that something is a word, then how do you make that determination? Do you recognize only the standard words in the dictionary, or do you have some personal rule that tells you when something is a word? I know that statements of the type “X is not a word” are often hyperbolic, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. I’m perfectly willing to accept that other people have different definitions of the word word, and I’d like to know what your definition is.

Reply from Sherry and Paul: That’s a good question, Dan, and we’re glad you asked. It’s a grey area, but we try to use common sense in addition to basic grammar rules to make those determinations on an individual basis–and we explain it within the blog entry. That way, the reader can understand our logic and then choose for himself whether he wants to use the same logic or follow the dictionary. Generally speaking, though, substandard is incorrect grammar, and non-standard should be a red flag, requiring additional research.