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

These laws exist, of course, because people have been seriously injured by the careless use of fireworks. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 17 June 2024

The suit, filed in Clay County Circuit Court, says Lester and the Highland Acres Homes Association Inc. were careless and negligent in the shooting. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2024

Danvers takes the opposite position — that there’s a careless randomness to the universe. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2024

Bertolucci fans beware: The director comes across here as a pompous and careless prima donna. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

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