Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Marked by insufficient attention or consideration; not careful: Describes actions or behavior that show a lack of proper thought, attention, or thoroughness, often leading to errors or oversights.
   • Effortless and unstudied; appearing natural and unconcerned: Describes a manner or style that is relaxed, easy, and without apparent effort or anxiety.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • He made a careless mistake in his calculations. (This shows a lack of thoroughness.)
  • She is careless about her appearance. (This indicates a lack of attention or concern.)
  • The dancer moved with careless grace. (This describes a natural, effortless style.)
  • A careless remark can hurt someone's feelings. (This shows a lack of consideration.)

Advanced Usage

• "Careless of": Without due thought or consideration for something; heedless of.
  • He was careless of the dangers involved. (He did not pay proper attention to the dangers.)
• "Careless about": Not giving proper attention or care to something.
  • She is careless about keeping her room tidy. (She does not pay attention to tidiness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Carelessly (adverb): In a careless manner.
  • He signed the document carelessly without reading it.
• Carelessness (noun): The quality or state of being careless; lack of care.
  • The accident was caused by sheer carelessness.

Synonyms

• Heedless: Showing a reckless lack of care or attention.
• Negligent: Failing to take proper care in doing something.
• Slipshod: Characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization.
• Thoughtless: Inconsiderate; not thinking of the needs of other people.

Antonyms

• Careful: Making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious.
• Attentive: Paying close attention to something.
• Meticulous: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Related Phrases

• Careless whisper: A phrase popularized by a song title, often used to refer to a rumor or secret told without proper discretion.
• Careless talk: Conversation that is not guarded and may reveal secrets or cause harm.
  • Careless talk costs lives. (A historical slogan warning against loose talk during wartime.)

Idioms

• To be careless with money: To spend or handle money without proper thought or planning.
  • He has always been careless with money and is now in debt.
• A careless attitude: A general approach or mindset that lacks concern or attention.
  • His careless attitude towards his studies is affecting his grades.

Adjective

1. (usually followed by `of') without due thought or consideration
   • careless of the consequences
   • crushing the blooms with regardless tread
2. effortless and unstudied
   • an impression of careless elegance
   • danced with careless grace
3. marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
   • careless about her clothes
   • forgotten by some careless person
   • a careless housekeeper
   • careless proofreading
   • it was a careless mistake
   • hurt by a careless remark