careless

adjective

care·​less ˈker-ləs 

1

a

: free from care : untroubled

careless days

b

: indifferent, unconcerned

careless of the consequences

2

: not taking care

My brother was too careless of his charge.

—Shakespeare

3

: not showing or receiving care:

a

: negligent, slovenly

careless writing

b

: unstudied, spontaneous

a careless grace

a careless glance

c

obsolete : unvalued, disregarded

carelessly adverb

carelessness noun

Synonyms

• heedless
• incautious
• mindless
• unguarded
• unsafe
• unwary

Examples of careless in a Sentence

He is a careless worker.

She was careless with my things.

It was a careless mistake.

a newspaper known for careless reporting

Recent Examples on the Web

Getting preferential treatment is hard, but getting the worst treatment is as easy as saying a few careless words. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024

Jaywalking pedestrians, not careless car drivers, received the blame for traffic fatalities. —Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024

Hill was eventually released and went on to play in the Miami Dolphins’ season opener; he was cited for careless driving and a seatbelt violation, according to police. —Dakin Andone, CNN, 11 Sep. 2024

Miami-Dade police officers pulled him over for careless driving and a seatbelt violation before the situation escalated. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see care entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

careless

adjective

care·​less ˈke(ə)r-ləs 

ˈka(ə)r-

1

: free from care : not troubled

2

: not taking proper care

a careless worker

3

: done, made, or said without proper care

a careless mistake

carelessly adverb

carelessness noun

Legal Definition

careless

adjective

care·​less

: not showing due care : negligent

careless driving

compare reckless