careless

1 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 heedless, incautious, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary Related Words bold, impetuous, rash, reckless; inattentive, regardless; blithe, inconsiderate, thoughtless; absentminded, forgetful, unmindful; lax, neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod; imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious; inadvertent, unintentional, unplanned Near Antonyms attentive, chary, observant, vigilant, watchful; foresighted, forethoughtful, provident; calculating, scheming, shrewd; considerate, thoughtful; ultracareful, ultracautious Antonyms alert, cautious, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary

2 failing to give proper care and attention a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess Synonyms negligent, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slackRelated Words heedless, incautious, irresponsible, reckless, wild; unguarded, unwary; forgetful; disregardful, disregarding, inattentive, oblivious, thoughtless, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking; apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested; delinquent; looseNear Antonyms meticulous, painstaking, punctilious; cautious, chary, circumspect, gingerly, guarded; alert, heedful, heeding, mindful, observant, regardful, regarding, vigilant, wary, watchful; foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, responsible; thinking, thoughtful; concerned, interestedAntonyms attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent