Careless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈker-ləs/ care·less

Meaning & Definition of Careless

Careless (adjective)

  1. free from care, untroubled
  2. indifferent, unconcerned
  3. not taking care

Careless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble

    "a careless reporter who often doesn't get his facts straight"

    "a careless mistake that caused the plane to crash"

    similar: heedless, incautious, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary
    related: bold, impetuous, rash, reckless, inattentive, regardless, blithe, inconsiderate, thoughtless, absentminded, forgetful, unmindful, lax, neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod, imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious, inadvertent, unintentional, unplanned
    opposite: alert, cautious, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary
    near: attentive, chary, observant, vigilant, watchful, foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, calculating, scheming, shrewd, considerate, thoughtful, ultracareful, ultracautious

  2. failing to give proper care and attention

    "a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess"

    similar: derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, remiss, slack
    related: heedless, incautious, irresponsible, reckless, wild, unguarded, unwary, forgetful, disregarding, inattentive, oblivious, thoughtless, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking, apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested, delinquent, loose
    opposite: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
    near: meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, cautious, chary, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, alert, heedful, heeding, mindful, observant, regardful, regarding, vigilant, wary, watchful, foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, responsible, thinking, thoughtful, concerned, interested

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Careless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Careless:

heedless, incautious, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, remiss, slack

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Careless

Words with the opposite meaning of Careless:

alert, cautious, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary, attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent

Related Words for Careless

bold, impetuous, rash, reckless, inattentive, regardless, blithe, inconsiderate, thoughtless, absentminded, forgetful, unmindful, slipshod, imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious, inadvertent, unintentional, unplanned, irresponsible, wild, disregarding, oblivious, unheeding, unthinking, apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested

Near Antonyms of Careless

chary, observant, vigilant, watchful, foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, calculating, scheming, shrewd, considerate, thoughtful, ultracareful, ultracautious, meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, heeding, mindful, regardful, regarding, responsible, thinking, concerned, interested

Word Forms of Careless

Derived words: carelessly (adverb), carelessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Careless

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Careless

Frequently Asked Questions about Careless

What does "Careless" mean?

"Careless" means free from care, untroubled. As an adjective, it is defined as: free from care, untroubled. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Careless"?

Other words for "Careless" include heedless, incautious, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary, derelict and disregardful. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Careless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Careless"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Careless". Common alternatives include heedless, incautious, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary, derelict, disregardful, lax and lazy.

What is the opposite of "Careless"?

Antonyms of "Careless" include alert, cautious, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe and wary. Near antonyms include chary, observant, vigilant and watchful.

How do you use "Careless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Careless" in a sentence: "a careless reporter who often doesn't get his facts straight"; "a careless mistake that caused the plane to crash"; "a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess".

Is "Careless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Careless" is an adjective.

Is "Careless" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Careless" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Careless"?

"Careless" is pronounced /ˈker-ləs/ and divided into syllables as care·less.