careless

/ˈkɛərləs/
adjectiveIntermediate
formal

Showing or feeling no care or attention; inattentive

A careless mistake cost them the game.

An error due to lack of attention

💡

Often implies a lack of thought for others or for consequences

informal

Done without care or thought; haphazard

He has a careless attitude towards his studies.

He doesn't pay much attention to his schoolwork

Collocations

careless drivingdriving without attention or carea careless remarka comment made without thinking

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Often used in contexts where lack of attention has negative implications

📖Word Origin

From 'care' (concern) + '-less' (without), Old English and Germanic roots

📝Usage Notes

Used to describe actions or people lacking attention or concern for consequences

Word Breakdown

care
concern or worry
root
+
-less
without
suffix
English Dictionary