carelessness

[ kair-lis-nis ]
See synonyms for carelessness on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. failure to pay enough attention to what one is doing; sloppiness: Unlike unavoidable error, a “mistake” in an experiment is something known to be incorrect due to accident, carelessness, or ineptitude.

  2. lack of accuracy or thoroughness: The many instances of carelessness in the book (with references, dates, etc.) detract from its value.

  1. the fact or quality of being said or done thoughtlessly or negligently: You were too quick to make promises you can’t possibly fulfill—which only shows the carelessness of your remarks.

  2. lack of regard or concern for something (usually followed by of,about,for, or toward): He was repulsed by their carelessness and cruelty toward those less fortunate.Her rudeness and arrogance betray her carelessness for other people's feelings.

  3. effortless or artless quality: She is a highly intelligent academic who nevertheless speaks with the simplicity and carelessness of a child.

Origin of carelessness

1
First recorded before 1000; careless + -ness

Other words from carelessness

  • o·ver·care·less·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use carelessness in a sentence

  • But they have not the invincible carelessness or temperamental springiness of the old lot—and how should they?

  • Certainly he had chosen a singular hiding-place, and never did man treat such a treasure with such apparent carelessness.

    The Red Year | Louis Tracy
  • carelessness in worming was an unpardonable offence in the days of slavery, and was frequently punished with great severity.

  • And at the gate he parted from the lady whose carelessness had made all the trouble.

  • Weston was a little leaner, and his face was grimmer than it had been, for the whimsical carelessness had faded out of it.

    The Gold Trail | Harold Bindloss