careless

[kair-lis]

adjective

1. not paying enough attention to what one does.

   a careless typist.

   Synonyms: reckless, indiscreet, unwary, incautious, inattentive
   Antonyms: careful

2. not exact, accurate, or thorough.

   careless work.

   Synonyms: negligent, inaccurate
   Antonyms: careful

3. done or said heedlessly or negligently; unconsidered.

   a careless remark.

   Synonyms: unmindful, unthoughtful
   Antonyms: careful

4. not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned (usually followed by of, about, orin ).

   careless of the rights of others;

   careless about one's behavior;

   careless in speech.

   Synonyms: inconsiderate, forgetful, thoughtless
   Antonyms: careful

5. possessed or caused without effort or art; unstudied.

   careless beauty.

6. Archaic.,  free from anxiety.

careless

/ ˈkɛəlɪs /

adjective

1. done with or acting with insufficient attention; negligent

2. unconcerned in attitude or action; heedless; indifferent (to)

   she's very careless about her clothes

3. (usually prenominal) carefree

4. (usually prenominal) unstudied; artless

   an impression of careless elegance

Other Word Forms

• carelessly adverb
• carelessness noun
• overcareless adjective
• overcarelessly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of careless¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English carlēas; care, -less

Example Sentences

It was not "careless or accidental" but part of a strategy to "draw a dividing line between elites and the people", he added.

From BBC

The van driver, Christopher Hicks from St Neots in Cambridgeshire, was convicted of causing death by careless driving, but a drug test, which was positive, was only carried out the day after the crash.

From BBC

"Someone in the Revenue now with the whole glare of the UK's media on them is going to make a decision as to whether Rayner was careless," he said.

From BBC

In the Premier League rulebook, a "careless challenge" is deemed one with a "lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution".

From BBC

Harte was given a 17-month suspended sentence in February this year after he pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death.

From BBC

Related Words

• casual 
• forgetful 
• hasty 
• inaccurate 
• indifferent 
• indiscreet 
• irresponsible 
• lackadaisical 
• lax 
• negligent 
• nonchalant 
• reckless 
• sloppy 
• thoughtless 
• wasteful