careless comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"careless comment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an insensitive or thoughtless remark. For example, "He made a careless comment about my weight that really hurt my feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A "careless" comment, uttered by Franklin, ended it.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 1984, when he was fifteen, his father, who was also a butcher, was arrested by Saddam Hussein's security police for making some careless comment about the regime.

The New Yorker

The blog post says that Musk meant people who apologize for making a hurtful statement on one occasion should have their apology accepted if it's sincere, because "the counterpoint would be that a single careless comment should ruin a person's life and career, even if they truly regret their action and do their best to make amends.

TechCrunch

Whether it's prompted by a careless comment, a glimpse in the mirror, or just waking up feeling like crap, we've all been there.

Huffington Post

"A partner who is having a bad day and makes a careless comment, or who is tired and not interested in sex, puts my mind into a spin of questions, self-doubt and over-analysis".

Huffington Post

In doing so, she references for the millionth time a careless comment Michelle Obama made during the campaign: "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And when Mr. Obama makes careless comments, saying, "If you've got a business, you didn't build that.

The New York Times

Increasingly those records, the most intimate people generate, are online and vulnerable to hacking as well as the careless comments of CEOs.

The Guardian

Her careless comments contribute to the impression that Supreme Court justices are just "politicians in robes".

Los Angeles Times

I put up with bad sex, with nonexistent sex, with careless comments about my lingerie.

Huffington Post

Silence helps us get through it, but it also means that any number of careless comments rub salt in the wound every day.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "careless comment", be mindful of the context and the potential impact on the listener. Even if unintentional, such remarks can cause offense or misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "careless comment" is always malicious. Often, it stems from ignorance or a lack of awareness rather than deliberate malice. Acknowledge the impact, but also consider the speaker's overall character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careless comment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "careless" modifies the noun "comment". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes a type of remark characterized by a lack of forethought or sensitivity. Several examples show that it often precedes an explanation of the comment's negative impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "careless comment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a remark made without sufficient thought or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately labels remarks that may unintentionally offend or cause harm. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for a variety of discussions. While alternative phrases like "thoughtless remark" or "insensitive remark" offer subtle variations in meaning, "careless comment" effectively conveys the lack of consideration behind the statement. Be mindful of context to avoid unintentionally causing hurt feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtless remark

Focuses on the lack of consideration behind the comment.

insensitive remark

Highlights the lack of empathy or awareness in the comment.

ill-considered statement

Focuses on the lack of thorough thought before making the statement.

unintentional slight

Emphasizes that the comment was not meant to be offensive, but still caused harm.

unguarded statement

Implies the comment was made without sufficient caution or restraint.

inadvertent insult

Stresses the accidental and offensive nature of the comment.

hasty generalization

Suggests the comment was formed without sufficient evidence or thought.

imprudent observation

Indicates the comment was unwise or lacking in good judgment.

flippant remark

Highlights the trivial or disrespectful nature of the comment.

rash pronouncement

Emphasizes the speed and lack of careful consideration behind the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "careless comment" in a sentence?

You can use "careless comment" to describe a remark made without much thought that could be hurtful or inappropriate. For example, "His "careless comment" about her weight made her feel self-conscious."

What are some alternatives to "careless comment"?

Alternatives to "careless comment" include "thoughtless remark", "insensitive remark", or "unintentional slight". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always wrong to make a "careless comment"?

While it's generally better to be mindful of your words, a "careless comment" isn't always malicious. However, it's important to be aware of the impact your words have on others and apologize if you've caused offense.

What's the difference between a "careless comment" and a "deliberate insult"?

A "careless comment" is typically unintentional and stems from a lack of thought or awareness, while a "deliberate insult" is intended to cause harm or offense. The key difference lies in the speaker's intent.