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Definitions

careless

[kair-lis] / ˈkɛər lɪs /
ADJECTIVE
without sufficient attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casual forgetful hasty inaccurate indifferent indiscreet irresponsible lackadaisical lax negligent nonchalant reckless sloppy thoughtless wasteful
WEAK
absent-minded abstracted cursory disregardful heedless improvident imprudent inadvertent incautious inconsiderate indolent injudicious loose mindless napping oblivious offhand perfunctory pococurante regardless remiss slipshod uncircumspect unconcerned unguarded unheeding unmindful unobservant unreflective unthinking
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attentive careful caring mindful responsible
WEAK
accurate cautious concerned guarded kind painstaking prudent ready scrupulous thoughtful
ADJECTIVE
artless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casual naive nonchalant
WEAK
modest natural simple unstudied
Antonyms
WEAK
accurate attentive careful cautious concerned guarded kind mindful painstaking prudent ready scrupulous thoughtful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When a nameless secretary drops a sheaf of papers, Kornev’s response to help is instinctive, yet we cringe at the careless faux pas he commits in this unfeeling society.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

At a previous court hearing, in addition to pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving, Tavener, 23, of no fixed address, admitted causing serious injury by careless driving.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Like, just in case someone’s dawdling, or being careless about where they’re dumping snow.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

This evidently isn’t the first time he has been careless about a matter that touches her soul.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Euler was an excellent mathematician—in fact, he was one of the most prolific and influential in history—but in this case the careless manipulation of zero and infinity led him astray.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife