Careless
/ˈkɛərləs/
adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Not showing enough care or attention; negligent.
/ˈkɛərləs/
adjectivenegativeBeginner
General
Showing a lack of care or attention.
Her careless driving caused an accident.
💡 Simply: Not paying attention.
More Examples
2
He made a careless error in his calculations.
How It's Used
General
"He was careless with his belongings and lost his keys."
Workplace
"A careless mistake led to a significant project delay."
From Middle English *carelēas, from Old English *cærlēas, from *cærel (care) + -lēas (without).
The word 'careless' has been used consistently in English literature since the Middle Ages, often in the context of moral failings and neglect.
Memory tip
Think of 'care' and 'less' - having less care.
Practice
carelescarlesscarelss
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written