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
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Recent Examples of careless
Some of the problems stem from policies that prioritize product integrity over human comfort—say, banning water bottles nearby because a careless worker could spill one and ruin the fabric.
—
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
As police attempted to arrest a minor for careless driving, a large crowd surrounded officers, yelling profanities and racial slurs, the post says.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
He was ultimately cited for careless driving, was fined $164 and had four points added to his license, per Golf Digest.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
After almost two years, Maria—who was allowed to visit—noticed that the guards had grown careless.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
As police attempted to arrest a minor for careless driving, a large crowd surrounded officers, yelling profanities and racial slurs, the post says.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
He was ultimately cited for careless driving, was fined $164 and had four points added to his license, per Golf Digest.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
After almost two years, Maria—who was allowed to visit—noticed that the guards had grown careless.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
Adjective
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Building and construction unions no longer can use their old rhetorical cudgel in this debate — calling prefab homes flimsy and unsafe.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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Falling stalactites are also making some cenotes unsafe to explore.—
Ryan Brennan
April 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sid lives in the town of Matakana with her single, sometimes-neglectful alcoholic father Leo (Noah Taylor), who wanted to be a painter but now mows the lawns of rich neighbors and visiting Auckland rich boys occupying the beachfront mansions nearby in Omaha.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
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Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Team priorities could collide as the concerned Moon in your 11th House of Aspirations nudges reckless Mars in your 5th House of Risks.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
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From right near the March Madness logo, 35 feet from paydirt, off a reckless turnover committed by a juggernaut team that led by 19 points in the first half, and by 15 at halftime.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Just don’t get lazy about it… Need a news break?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Jones had complained that Wallace was lazy at work before Wallace was fired.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Claims against the bank of negligent failure to prevent physical harm and reasonable care as a banking institution, and aiding and abetting trafficking violations in the initial complaint, were dismissed by Rakoff in mid-February.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
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The lawsuit also alleged that Goodenbour and USF were negligent, meaning the university and the coaching staff had a duty to care for the twins and had failed to do so.—
Julia Haney,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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