carefulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “carefulness” is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it to describe the quality of being careful, attentive, or watchful. For example: "The carefulness with which she handled the fragile glass vase impressed us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It takes a certain degree of care and carefulness to assemble dozens".

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM ANDREW: Do you think this "syndrome" is merely American or it's just something normal in every society: We succeed then believe in ourselves then try to do huge things, fail at some then lose all our hopes, and become careful, again with our carefulness gain some victories and again believe in ourselves and aim for big goals and so on.

The New Yorker

That explains the carefulness of its post-Mumbai message to its neighbour.

The Economist

Such differences may seem slight in comparison, but the accumulated result, whether of Mr Mitchell's colloquialisms or Mr Verity's carefulness, render these both rather dull literary works.

The Economist

So a policy based on the free market, combined with a leaner but more effective state, would have to be "carefully explained".New generationWhat the two Karamanlises had in common, despite their different characters, was their carefulness.

The Economist

Slow vote counting was put down to excessive carefulness; even government critics agree there was no funny business.But while Botswana is often held up as a model of African governance, the election result reflects growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party under its leader, President Ian Khama (pictured, left).

The Economist

Well, they remained very British despite the war, despite the victory and despite even the Swinging Sixties, continuing a concentration on the figurative, a carefulness with colour and a fascination with form which was there before the war and still continues today.

Independent

The artist's lapidary carefulness melts into wonderment, as if he could hardly believe how much fun he was having.

The New Yorker

One can imagine the impulses competing in the feature editor's mind — carefulness and transparency on the one hand, the stylistic pleasure of an uninterrupted flow of narrative on the other.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

With competition, she'd be a better candidate; without, the yearlong vacuum will be filled with investigations, inconsequential gaffes, hyper-carefulness, and crushing boredom.

The New Yorker

One can imagine the impulses competing in the feature editor's mind carefulness and transparency on the one hand, the stylistic pleasure of an uninterrupted flow of narrative on the other.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the quality of being careful in a formal context, such as a report or presentation, using "carefulness" can add a layer of sophistication and professionalism. However, in informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "caution" or "attention to detail" for better clarity.

Common error

While "carefulness" is a valid word, it can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for more natural-sounding alternatives like "being careful" or "paying attention" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "carefulness" is as a noun. It refers to the state, quality, or characteristic of being careful. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Carefulness is a noun that describes the quality of being attentive and thorough. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and appropriate for written English, particularly in describing a state of being cautious. Its frequent use in news, scientific, and formal contexts underscores its value in expressing deliberate attention to detail. When writing, remember that while grammatically sound, more informal alternatives like "caution" or "being careful" may be preferable in casual conversations. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the versatile application of carefulness in conveying thoughtfulness and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caution

A more concise term emphasizing the avoidance of potential problems or dangers.

prudence

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment involved in making careful decisions.

circumspection

Emphasizes looking carefully at all circumstances before acting or deciding.

diligence

Focuses on the consistent effort and attention applied to a task or activity.

meticulousness

Highlights extreme attention to detail and precision.

thoroughness

Focuses on completeness and attention to all aspects of something.

attentiveness

Emphasizes being observant and responsive to details or needs.

vigilance

Highlights the state of being watchful and alert to potential dangers or problems.

wariness

Suggests a cautious approach due to a sense of potential risk or deception.

heedfulness

Emphasizes paying close attention to warnings or advice.

FAQs

How can I use "carefulness" in a sentence?

You can use "carefulness" to describe the quality of being cautious or attentive. For example, "The project's success depended on the team's "thoroughness" and "diligence", reflecting their overall "carefulness"."

What are some synonyms for "carefulness"?

Synonyms for "carefulness" include "caution", "prudence", "circumspection", and "attentiveness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "carefulness" the same as "being careful"?

While closely related, "carefulness" is a noun describing the quality itself, whereas "being careful" is a verb phrase describing the act of exhibiting that quality. You might say, "Her "carefulness" was evident in how she was "being careful" while handling the delicate equipment."

When is it appropriate to use "carefulness" instead of "caution"?

"Carefulness" often implies a broader and more deliberate approach, while "caution" tends to emphasize awareness of potential danger. Use "carefulness" when highlighting general attentiveness and thoroughness, and "caution" when the primary concern is avoiding risks.