carelessness

American  

[kair-lis-nis] / ˈkɛər lɪs nɪs /

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.

3. 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.

4. lack of regard or concern for something (usually followed by of, about, for, ortoward ).

   He was repulsed by their carelessness and cruelty toward those less fortunate.

   Her rudeness and arrogance betray her carelessness for other people's feelings.

5. effortless or artless quality.

   She is a highly intelligent academic who nevertheless speaks with the simplicity and carelessness of a child.

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Other Word Forms

• overcarelessness noun

Etymology

Origin of carelessness

First recorded before 1000; careless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

I don’t want to look out the window, where all those cars are—cars that could have been in an accident because of my carelessness.

From Literature

Had the ball struck the girl, he would almost certainly have been defaulted and seen another attempt at number 25 aborted by his own carelessness.

From BBC

Another attempt at a record 25th major title could have been aborted by his own carelessness.

From BBC

It’s not a smart thing to do, and it speaks to Robby’s current attitude of a certain amount of carelessness on his part.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a dismissal that encapsulated the carelessness that so often costs this England team.

From BBC

Related Words

• inattention
• neglect
• negligence
• nonchalance
• sloppiness