thoughtless

adjective

thought·​less ˈthȯt-ləs 

1

: lacking concern for others : inconsiderate

rude and thoughtless behavior

a thoughtless remark

2

a

: insufficiently alert : careless

b

: reckless, rash

thoughtless actions

3

: devoid of thought : insensate

thoughtlessly adverb

thoughtlessness noun

Synonyms

• discourteous
• disrespectful
• ill-bred
• ill-mannered
• impertinent
• impolite
• inconsiderate
• rude
• uncalled-for
• uncivil
• ungracious
• unhandsome
• unmannered
• unmannerly

Examples of thoughtless in a Sentence

a selfish and thoughtless person

always making thoughtless comments that hurt other people's feelings

Recent Examples on the Web

Oz’s decision to close that sewer door could be chalked down to a terrible mistake, the thoughtless actions of a child. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The underlying message: Even someone as thoughtless as Larry is incapable of being as cruel as this legislation. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2024

So maybe use the feelings aroused by your sister-in-law’s thoughtless, certainly injudicious, possibly naughty remark as an opportunity to rise above. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2024

Political disputes have sundered families ‒ some siblings are no longer talking ‒ and heartless or thoughtless social media posts can bring people to tears. —Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

thoughtless

adjective

thought·​less ˈthȯt-ləs 

1

a

: not careful and alert

b

: done without thinking beforehand

thoughtless actions

2

: lacking concern for others : inconsiderate

a thoughtless remark

thoughtlessly adverb

thoughtlessness noun