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

She was involved in a bankruptcy case in 2013, arrested on suspicion of careless driving in 2021, and arrested in 2023 on suspicion of domestic violence and battery. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Digger follows greedy, careless Digger as his company inadvertently catalyzes a disaster with global repercussions—then, whoopsie, sets off another for good measure. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Loud phone use, rude behavior toward airport staff, and careless suitcase handling can make stressful terminals even more frustrating. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026

The Giants got away with careless ball security against the Cowboys, duly noted by the Rams. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026