Search Dictionary
Definition of careless

careless

/ˈkɛr.ləs/
care · less
Adverb:carelessly
JUMP TO:

careless Lexical Profile

careless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm, errors, or mistakes.

Example

"A single careless mistake in the accounting spreadsheet delayed the financial audit by two days."

2

Showing no interest or effort; casual, effortless, or unstudied.

Example

"He tossed his coat over the chair with a careless shrug and walked into the kitchen."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for careless
Antonyms
View all antonyms for careless

Word Nuance & Usage

'Careless' implies a lack of attention or caution that often leads to mistakes, whereas 'carefree' means untroubled and free from worry in a positive sense.

• Rhymes for careless

• Nearby Words

carefulness
caregiver
caregiving
careless
carelessly
carelessness
careline

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'carleas', meaning 'free from anxiety or unconcerned', formed from 'caru' (care, grief) and '-leas' (without). The modern sense of 'negligent or inattentive' emerged in the late 16th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Careless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/careless
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.