Synonyms of careless

careless

adjective

ˈker-ləs 

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

• unsafe
• reckless
• regardless
• heedless
• incautious
• mindless
• negligent
• unguarded
• unwary
• rash
• thoughtless
• impetuous
• forgetful
• inattentive
• neglectful
• inconsiderate
• unmindful
• imprudent
• injudicious
• slipshod
• inadvertent
• indiscreet
• lax
• blithe
• bold
• remiss
• unintentional
• unplanned
• absentminded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cautious
• wary
• safe
• circumspect
• vigilant
• alert
• watchful
• attentive
• guarded
• observant
• heedful
• chary
• shrewd
• foresighted
• provident
• gingerly
• scheming
• thoughtful
• calculating
• considerate
• forethoughtful
• ultracareful
• ultracautious

2

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention

a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglectful
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• reckless
• derelict
• lax
• remiss
• slack
• disregardful
• irresponsible
• oblivious
• incautious
• forgetful
• heedless
• thoughtless
• inattentive
• unmindful
• unthinking
• unguarded
• indifferent
• disinterested
• unwary
• unconcerned
• uninterested
• delinquent
• wild
• apathetic
• disregarding
• unheeding
• loose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• conscientious
• attentive
• cautious
• meticulous
• punctilious
• nonnegligent
• circumspect
• painstaking
• regarding
• responsible
• wary
• vigilant
• mindful
• watchful
• chary
• guarded
• observant
• thinking
• alert
• thoughtful
• provident
• interested
• gingerly
• regardful
• heedful
• concerned
• foresighted
• heeding
• forethoughtful

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of careless

Establish penalties for reckless and careless operation. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Anyone old enough to vote is old enough to remember that California hasn’t always been so careless with its elections. — Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 17 June 2026

Who would be so careless to leave such a mess behind? — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

That charming and shaggy approach is fitting for such a campy and irreverent comedy, ultimately substituting polish for an equal mixture of artistic grit and careless joy. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026