careless

adjective

ˈker-ləs How to pronounce careless (audio)
Definition of carelessnext
1
as in unsafe
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in neglectful
failing to give proper care and attention a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of careless That said, a pattern of careless errors or intentionally misleading claims are more likely to accrue penalties. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Trost has a past conviction of reckless driving and a lengthy history of civil traffic infractions, including careless driving, speeding, running a stop sign and running a red light, court records show. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026 Entering a magazine sweepstakes does not make anyone careless. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
  1. unsafe
  2. neglectful
  3. reckless
  4. lazy
  5. negligent
Adjective
  • The playing surface, with uncut grass and sprouting weeds, is uneven and unsafe.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Twelve of Philly's Delaware River testing sites exceeded unsafe bacteria levels on each day they were tested.
    — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsafe
Adjective
  • Still, Duncan on Friday argued that the move is a mistake that empowers neglectful landlords and fails tenants.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Played by Rhea Perlman alongside her real-life husband Danny DeVito, the beauty and bingo-obsessed matriarch was pretty neglectful.
    — Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of neglectful
Adjective
  • Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The teens face misdemeanors including trespassing and reckless conduct, and two were given citations for having pellet guns.
    — Sara Machi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • That is not saying that her kids are terrible, lazy, ugly, addicted to TikTok, or caught shoplifting at Brandy Melville.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Music takes on a different purpose by mid-August—who isn’t feeling a little lazy and crooked by now, spiritually overserved and ready for a nap?
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • The investigation concluded that the actions of a Connecticut Department of Correction officer who allegedly did not properly monitor Guaranda were negligent but did not rise to the level of criminal behavior, Prescott wrote.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this year, in a landmark trial in Los Angeles, a jury found Meta and YouTube, which is owned by Google, negligent in designing apps that harmed a now 20-year-old woman.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of negligent

Browse Nearby Words

caregiving
careless
carelessly
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Cite this Entry

“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on careless

Nglish: Translation of careless for Spanish Speakers

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