Synonyms for

Careless

Verb / ˈkerlʌs / Another word for careless — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.

Synonyms & similar words

regardless careful reckless thoughtless irresponsible negligent inattentive unmindful heedless indifferent casual slipshod lax sloppy unconcerned unobservant unthinking unwise foolish rash hasty impulsive

Synonyms by register

Formal

negligent inadvertent remiss sloppy

Informal

sloppy lousy goofy dumb

Literary

heedless unmindful thoughtless

Antonyms

careful attentive conscientious meticulous vigilant thoughtful diligent

Common collocations

  • careless mistake
  • careless driving
  • careless whisper
  • careless talk
  • careless attitude
  • careless handling
  • careless wording

Word family

noun carelessness
adverb carelessly

Usage note

Careless often implies a lack of attention or thought, leading to errors. It can sometimes suggest a lack of concern, but is generally less severe than 'negligent'.

Example sentences

  1. She was careless with her spelling and made many mistakes on her test.
  2. He was careless with his money and spent it all on unnecessary things.
  3. The driver was careless and caused a car accident.
  4. The chef was careless and burned the food.
  5. The babysitter was careless and left the child unattended.

Quotes

  • 'Success is due to our stretching to the challenges of life. Failure comes when we shrink from them.' - John C. Maxwell
  • 'Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts.' - Nikki Giovanni
  • 'I never make stupid mistakes. Only very, very clever ones.' - John Peel

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