irresponsive adj.

word-forming element meaning "not, opposite of, without" (also im-, il-, ir- by assimilation of -n- with following consonant, a tendency which began in later Latin), from Latin in- "not," cognate with Greek an-, Old English un-, all from PIE root *ne- "not."

In Old French and Middle English often en-, but most of these forms have not survived in Modern English, and the few that do (enemy, for instance) no longer are felt as negative. The rule of thumb in English has been to use in- with obviously Latin elements, un- with native or nativized ones.

early 15c., "making answer, responding," from Old French responsif and directly from Late Latin responsivus "answering," from Latin respons-, past-participle stem of respondere (see respond). Meaning "responding readily to influence or action, able or inclined to respond" is from 1762. Related: Responsively; responsiveness.