careless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'careless' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that shows a lack of care, attention, or caution. For example: "The careless driver sped away from the scene without stopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The choice of 2017 for the referendum is Cameron at his most careless.

The Guardian

In fact, it may well have made me even more careless about checking regularly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 21-year-old singer, who appeared at the hearing via video link from Los Angeles, received an absolute discharge on the assault charge and a C$750 £3900) fine for the careless driving charge.

The Guardian - Music

Related: The careless, astonishing cruelty of Barack Obama's government | George Monbiot "On February 6, our financial services system stopped working with Somali money-wiring services to send money to Somalia," said Ellison.

The Guardian

In freedom they have been careless in discipline rigid.

The Guardian - Sport

How could a woman in her early 30s show such careless signs of ageing?

The Guardian - Opinion

But stepping stones can be slippery buggers - a careless stride, a bad choice of footwear or a shove from a mischievous co-traveller and you're in the rushing rapids either to sink without trace or to desperately grab for the nearest immoveable object.

The Guardian

Thinking Conservative sceptics are not adopting the careless nativist nationalism of the ultra Europhobes and Ukip.

The Guardian - Opinion

To jettison a second in the shape of Steffon Armitage, albeit in very different circumstances, would seem more than a little careless.

The Guardian - Sport

Only moments earlier I had been jumping through the crashing waves with careless abandon, their swaying force catapulting me back to my childhood.

The Guardian - Travel

Only then did the adults realise what their careless talk had meant, and rapidly shushed me for fear that the smaller children would hear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "careless" to describe actions or behaviors, rather than inherent personality traits. For example, it's better to say "a careless mistake" than "a careless person".

Common error

While "careless" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or legal writing, consider using more precise terms like "negligent", "derelict", or "inadvertent" to convey the specific nature of the lack of care.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "careless" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating a lack of care, attention, or caution. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its use in describing actions, behaviors, and decisions. It is often used to attribute a negative quality arising from insufficient diligence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "careless" effectively conveys a lack of attention, caution, or responsibility, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register and widespread usage make it suitable for various contexts, although more precise terms may be preferable in formal settings. When using "careless", consider the specific nuance you wish to express and the potential for stronger alternatives like "negligent" or "reckless". This guide provides insights into best practices, common errors, and related phrases to enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligent

Similar to "careless" but often implies a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

inattentive

Focuses on a lack of attention or heedfulness.

heedless

Emphasizes a lack of concern for potential consequences.

reckless

Suggests a disregard for danger or the well-being of others.

thoughtless

Highlights a lack of consideration for others' feelings or needs.

remiss

Implies a failure to perform an expected action or duty.

lax

Suggests a lack of strictness or diligence.

slack

Similar to lax, indicating a lack of effort or attention.

slipshod

Describes work or behavior done carelessly and poorly.

forgetful

Indicates a tendency to forget things, leading to errors or omissions.

FAQs

How to use "careless" in a sentence?

You can use "careless" to describe actions or people lacking attention to detail or responsibility. For example, "His "careless driving" caused an accident" or "She made a "careless mistake" in the report".

What can I say instead of "careless"?

You can use alternatives like "negligent", "inattentive", or "thoughtless" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "careless" or "care less"?

"Careless" is an adjective describing a lack of care, while "care less" is a verb phrase indicating a lack of concern. They have different grammatical functions and meanings. For example, "He was careless" versus "I couldn't care less".

What's the difference between "careless" and "reckless"?

"Careless" implies a lack of attention or caution, while "reckless" suggests a deliberate disregard for potential danger or consequences. "Careless" is often unintentional, while "reckless" implies a conscious risk.