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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 historic documents were removed from an exhibit space under the Lincoln Memorial after temperatures in their display cases reached unsafe levels.
    — Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 27 July 2026
  • More than 300 workers across London’s Victoria and Albert Museum are voting on whether to strike over salary, working conditions, and what unions describe as unsafe heatwave policies.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of unsafe
Adjective
  • Parents could be accused of neglectful supervision if an underage child is left at home unattended.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.
    — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Definition of neglectful
Adjective
  • The defending champions managed to hold Spain to a draw in the regulation 90 minutes, which ended with combative midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off after a reckless challenge in injury time.
    — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • That context is what separates responsible flexibility from reckless convenience.
    — Anand Solanki, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • In the nearly 90-second recording, Varela calls the customer service representative lazy, rude and racist and asks her for her name tag.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Summer could be the perfect time to savor just about anything—from the long, lazy days to the farmers-market-fresh flavors.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • Miller’s lawsuit alleges six counts, including negligent infliction of emotional distress and assault and battery.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • The suit alleges breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and negligent misrepresentation and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief.
    — Chaewon Chung July 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of negligent

Browse Nearby Words

caregiving
careless
carelessly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of careless for Spanish Speakers

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