Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking a sense of moral or ethical responsibility; not guided by conscience: Describes a person, action, or attitude that is not careful, thorough, or principled. It implies a disregard for doing things correctly or properly.
   • Not showing or involving careful, painstaking effort: Describes work or behavior that is careless, negligent, or done without proper attention to detail.

Usage

The adjective "unconscientious" is used to describe a person's character or the quality of their actions. It is the direct opposite of "conscientious." It is a formal word, often used in critical or evaluative contexts.

Examples

• Describing a person:
  • He was fired for being an unconscientious employee who frequently missed deadlines.
  • An unconscientious student will often submit work full of errors.
• Describing work or behavior:
  • The report was rejected due to its unconscientious research.
  • Her unconscientious handling of the funds led to an audit.

Advanced Usage

• "unconscientious objection": A rare, ironic play on the term "conscientious objection," implying an objection made not on principle but out of laziness or indifference.
  • His refusal to participate was seen not as a moral stand but as an act of unconscientious objection.

Variants and Related Words

• Unconscientiously (adverb): In an unconscientious manner.
  • He completed the task unconscientiously, leading to many mistakes.
• Unconscientiousness (noun): The quality or state of being unconscientious.
  • The unconscientiousness of the contractor was evident in the poor construction.

Synonyms

• Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
• Negligent: Failing to take proper care in doing something.
• Irresponsible: Not showing a proper sense of responsibility.
• Sloppy: Lacking care or effort; messy.
• Perfunctory: Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

Antonyms

• Conscientious: Wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.
• Diligent: Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
• Meticulous: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
• Scrupulous: Very concerned to avoid doing wrong; diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details.

Adjective

1. not conscientious;