care less
1 of 2phrase
: not to care
—used positively and negatively with the same meaning
I could care less what happens. = I couldn't care less what happens.
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
William Shakespeare3
: not showing or receiving care:
b
: unstudied, spontaneous
a careless grace
a careless glance
c
obsolete
: unvalued, disregarded
carelessly
adverb
carelessness
noun
Examples of care less 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
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
From start to finish, the Red Sox deployed a careless, thoughtless, and passive stratagem.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
The driver of the truck was cited for careless driving; the vehicle was not equipped with chains, but chains were not required under state law in Friday morning’s conditions, according to Colorado State Patrol.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images The Buffalo Sabres were clinging to a 3-2 lead with just over five minutes to play against the New York Rangers when Peyton Krebs took a careless high-sticking penalty.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for care less
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Adjective
The Heat was careless with the ball against a team that leads the league in turnovers forced (18 per game).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
From start to finish, the Red Sox deployed a careless, thoughtless, and passive stratagem.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
The driver of the truck was cited for careless driving; the vehicle was not equipped with chains, but chains were not required under state law in Friday morning’s conditions, according to Colorado State Patrol.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images The Buffalo Sabres were clinging to a 3-2 lead with just over five minutes to play against the New York Rangers when Peyton Krebs took a careless high-sticking penalty.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for care less
Cite this Entry
“Care less.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20less. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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