thoughtless

adjective

thought·​less ˈthȯt-ləs 

1

: lacking concern for others : inconsiderate

rude and thoughtless behavior

a thoughtless remark

2

a

: insufficiently alert : careless

b

: reckless, rash

thoughtless actions

3

: devoid of thought : insensate

thoughtlessly adverb

thoughtlessness noun

Synonyms of thoughtless

• rude
• inconsiderate
• disrespectful

Examples of thoughtless in a Sentence

a selfish and thoughtless person

always making thoughtless comments that hurt other people's feelings

Recent Examples on the Web

Karlsson was on the wrong side of the puck all evening, made careless decisions and generally played a thoughtless game. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Facing the prospect of a return to normalcy, and perhaps emboldened by Yaya’s thoughtless offer to hire Agnes as her assistant, Agnes picks up a rock and prepares to murder the model with it. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026

But human imitation isn’t mechanical or thoughtless. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

From start to finish, the Red Sox deployed a careless, thoughtless, and passive stratagem. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for thoughtless

• spotless

Kids Definition

thoughtless

adjective

thought·​less ˈthȯt-ləs 

1

a

: not careful and alert

b

: done without thinking beforehand

thoughtless actions

2

: lacking concern for others : inconsiderate

a thoughtless remark

thoughtlessly adverb

thoughtlessness noun