careless

1 of 2

adjective

care·​less ˈker-ləs 

1

a

: free from care : untroubled

careless days

b

: indifferent, unconcerned

careless of the consequences

2

: not taking care

My brother was too careless of his charge.

—William Shakespeare

3

: not showing or receiving care:

a

: negligent, slovenly

careless writing

b

: unstudied, spontaneous

a careless grace

a careless glance

c

obsolete : unvalued, disregarded

carelessly adverb

carelessness noun

care less

2 of 2

phrase

: not to care

—used positively and negatively with the same meaning

I could care less what happens. = I couldn't care less what happens.

Synonyms of careless

Adjective

• unsafe
• reckless
• regardless

Examples of careless in a Sentence

Adjective

He is a careless worker.

She was careless with my things.

It was a careless mistake.

a newspaper known for careless reporting

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His belief is not that relationships should become less professional or emotionally careless. — K.h. Koehler, Freep.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Two other teens were cited for careless driving and performing risky stunts in a retail parking lot. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Phrase

But, unlike during the pandemic, home buyers will care less about outdoor space and focus more on indoor space where the air quality is controllable. — Daryl Fairweather, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Taylor Sheridan couldn't care less what critics think about his work. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see care entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrase

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for careless

• airless
• hairless

Kids Definition

careless

adjective

care·​less ˈke(ə)r-ləs 

ˈka(ə)r-

1

: free from care : not troubled

2

: not taking proper care

a careless worker

3

: done, made, or said without proper care

a careless mistake

carelessly adverb

carelessness noun

Legal Definition

careless

adjective

care·​less

: not showing due care : negligent

careless driving

compare reckless