adjective
careless
Not giving enough attention to avoiding mistakes or harm.
A careless driver leaves the parked car blocking the ramp.
Etymology
Old English caru expressed concern, and -less marks its absence. In this use, the missing concern is practical attention to consequences, making mistakes or harm more likely.
More examples
- Her careless arithmetic changes the total.
- A careless remark hurts his feelings.
- The spill resulted from careless handling.
Forms
carelessness noun — Failure to give enough attention or care.
Similar words
- negligent
- Often implies failure to meet an expected duty of care.
- sloppy
- Emphasizes untidiness or poor execution rather than risk itself.