careless

adjective

ˈker-ləs How to pronounce careless (audio)
Definition of carelessnext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of careless The Most The business owners who get burned in an exit are almost never careless. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Unclaimed money is not just for careless people. — Mark Lewyn, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026 Establish penalties for reckless and careless operation. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
  1. unsafe
  2. neglectful
  3. reckless
  4. lazy
  5. negligent
Adjective
  • After her trip to Japan that changed her business and focus, Ettenberg (who was then in Vietnam) decided to make a guide to Japan that listed all the safe ingredients and unsafe ones.
    — Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Some repairs are too complicated or potentially unsafe to be handled by anyone other than a professional.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of unsafe
Adjective
  • Parents could be accused of neglectful supervision if an underage child is left at home unattended.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.
    — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Definition of neglectful
Adjective
  • The defending champions managed to hold Spain to a draw in the regulation 90 minutes, which ended with combative midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off after a reckless challenge in injury time.
    — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • That context is what separates responsible flexibility from reckless convenience.
    — Anand Solanki, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • In the nearly 90-second recording, Varela calls the customer service representative lazy, rude and racist and asks her for her name tag.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Summer could be the perfect time to savor just about anything—from the long, lazy days to the farmers-market-fresh flavors.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • The lawsuit lists breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and negligent misrepresentation among its causes for action and seeks declaratory relief via jury trial.
    — Chaewon Chung July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • Miles is an outstanding playmaker who has elevated her teammates and succeeded on defense after being almost negligent on that side of the ball in college.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of negligent

Browse Nearby Words

caregiving
careless
carelessly
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Cite this Entry

“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on careless

Nglish: Translation of careless for Spanish Speakers

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