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

Loud phone use, rude behavior toward airport staff, and careless suitcase handling can make stressful terminals even more frustrating. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026

While the tone may often feel blithely throwaway, the filmmaking is never careless. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Phrase

In many cases, remote and hybrid professionals care less about proximity to corporate cities than about lifestyle. — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Republican voters care less about labels than about whether politicians can make their lives more affordable, Vang added. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 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