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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of careless¹

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

Example Sentences

"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

He added, "but fires are mostly caused by dimwitted and careless people, and there is no way of separating them from their careful neighbours, so the ban is necessary".

From BBC

The driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

From BBC

Related Words

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