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

Related Words

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