heedlessness

noun

as in negligence
failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes the dog's lack of protection against rabies was purely due to his owner's heedlessness

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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 heedlessness Holden’s moral rigor is refreshing in a cultural moment marked by an unsettling mix of cynicism and heedlessness. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 The heedlessness of the children has touched her mood. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heedlessness
  1. negligence
  2. carelessness
Noun
  • The woman is seeking more than $1 million in damages for negligence, gross negligence, invasion of privacy and failure to warn, train or educate, according to the suit.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false arrests, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, attorney Michael Gallagher said at a news conference Monday.
    — Daniella Silva, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of negligence
Noun
  • But that drop in intensity quickly veered into carelessness, with the defence failing to assert its composure amid loose passes and hapless communication mix-ups.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Conflicts and tragedies are almost always the result of carelessness or accidents that spiral totally out of control.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of carelessness

Browse Nearby Words

heedlessly
heedlessness
heeds
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Cite this Entry

“Heedlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heedlessness. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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