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

• unsafe
• reckless
• regardless

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

The subsequent uncertainty and introspection are exacerbated during a pre-festival press conference, which becomes a flashpoint when the cast and crew come under fire for an allegedly careless adaptation. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025

In 2023, Pino was initially charged with three careless boating misdemeanors in the crash. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025

Demonstrate the discipline necessary to eliminate sloppy turnovers and other careless plays, like the penalties. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

He was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life threatening and was cited for careless driving and not having proof of insurance, Deputy Chief Matt Westenfelder said in an email. —Katie Langford, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see care entry 1

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for careless

• airless
• hairless

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