Carelessness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈker-ləs/ care·less

Meaning & Definition of Carelessness

Carelessness (adjective)

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

Carelessness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes

    "the only errors you made were from carelessness, not lack of knowledge"

    similar: dereliction, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, laxness, neglectfulness, negligence, remissness, slackness
    related: foolhardiness, rashness, recklessness, wildness, neglect, omission, delinquency, irresponsibility, irresponsibleness, malfeasance, malpractice, misconduct, misdirection, mishandling, mismanagement, forgetfulness, inadvertence, inadvertency, inattention, inattentiveness, obliviousness, shortsightedness, unwariness
    opposite: care, carefulness, caution, cautiousness, heedfulness
    near: alertness, attention, attentiveness, awareness, circumspection, observance, vigilance, watchfulness, responsibility, responsibleness

Related Entry: Careless (adjective)

Careless is a different word from Carelessness. The synonyms below are for careless, not for carelessness.

  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 Carelessness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Carelessness:

dereliction, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, laxness, neglectfulness, negligence, remissness, slackness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Carelessness

Words with the opposite meaning of Carelessness:

care, carefulness, caution, cautiousness, heedfulness

Related Words for Carelessness

foolhardiness, rashness, recklessness, wildness, neglect, omission, delinquency, irresponsibility, irresponsibleness, malfeasance, malpractice, misconduct, misdirection, mishandling, mismanagement, forgetfulness, inadvertence, inadvertency, inattention, inattentiveness, obliviousness, shortsightedness, unwariness

Near Antonyms of Carelessness

alertness, attention, attentiveness, awareness, circumspection, observance, vigilance, watchfulness, responsibility, responsibleness

Word Forms of Carelessness

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

Origin & Etymology of Carelessness

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Carelessness

What does "Carelessness" mean?

"Carelessness" means free from care, untroubled. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: free from care, untroubled.

What is another word for "Carelessness"?

Other words for "Carelessness" include dereliction, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, laxness, neglectfulness, negligence and remissness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Carelessness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Carelessness"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Carelessness". Common alternatives include dereliction, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, laxness, neglectfulness, negligence, remissness and slackness.

What is the opposite of "Carelessness"?

Antonyms of "Carelessness" include care, carefulness, caution, cautiousness and heedfulness. Near antonyms include alertness, attention, attentiveness and awareness.

How do you use "Carelessness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Carelessness" in a sentence: "the only errors you made were from carelessness, not lack of knowledge".

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

"Carelessness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Carelessness"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Carelessness"?

First known use: before 12th century.