adjective

careless

KEH-uh-lihs

adjective

Not paying enough attention, so that mistakes or accidents happen.

"A careless mistake cost them the contract."

"He's always careless with his keys and loses them constantly."

How to Use Careless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot taking enough care, so things get done sloppily or dangerously.

Common pairings

careless mistake careless driving careless with money

more careless comparative, most careless superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ mistake cost them the contract.

From Old English carlēas, from care + -less ("without").

cursory derelict heedless irregardless irrespective lash lax neglectful negligent reckless regardless remiss

meticulous

abandoned meticulous drunk whip lash slash vagabond excellent

useless ageless wireless hopeless homeless tireless lifeless baseless clueless timeless loveless nameless

cursory derelict heedless irregardless irrespective lash lax neglectful negligent reckless regardless remiss