carelessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carelessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of attention or concern for something, often resulting in mistakes or accidents. Example: "His carelessness in handling the fragile equipment led to several breakages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One tale of unfulfilled potential is unfortunate, but four young stars on the same team missing out on the NFL is carelessness worthy of a longform feature in SB Nation.

The Guardian - Sport

This casual carelessness, this tacit acceptance of outrageous terms and conditions, is, as far as we can tell, universal across internet users everywhere.

The Guardian - Tech

In step with Obama's call for better data in policing, and a public outcry for information about police use-of-force in general, policing leaders are increasingly admitting that carelessness, defensiveness – or, in the worst cases, indifference – does play a role in the failure of the country to track officer-related deaths.

The Guardian

They are also right to remind us of the importance of place and to warn us against a carelessness to its wellbeing.

The Guardian - Opinion

And perhaps it also helps to explain why it's so difficult to get people to wake up to the implications of the world that our carelessness has enabled.

The Guardian - Tech

There were moments of carelessness but they were the better side and Hodgson's research about Sweden's defending had paid dividends in the form of the opening goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet his performance was more effective than the headlines often made out, even if his carelessness about image-building must at times have been the despair of what are now labelled spin doctors.

The Guardian

It is mostly weakness or, worse, carelessness, as is underlined by the alarmed reaction of cabinet colleagues playing down its significance.

The Guardian

Putting it into one huge pile is really asking for trouble".Public paranoia about government databases may well be justified, but it sits oddly with the complacency, verging on carelessness, that people display when convenience is on offer.

The Economist

Mr zu Guttenberg has a better chance of spinning the copycat passages as trivial examples of carelessness, unrelated to his job as defence minister.

The Economist

According to the official version, it was their carelessness in showing their faces to family members who witnessed the crime that facilitated their capture, as well as the recovery of their stolen getaway car.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carelessness" to describe a general attitude or pattern of behavior, especially when criticizing a lack of due diligence. For example, "His carelessness with financial records led to significant losses."

Common error

Instead of vaguely stating someone exhibited "carelessness", specify the exact actions or omissions that demonstrate the lack of care. Provide clear examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The noun "carelessness" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a state or quality. Ludwig AI examples highlight its use in attributing fault or explaining consequences resulting from a lack of care.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carelessness" functions as a noun denoting a lack of attention or precaution, often leading to negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for general use, synonyms like "negligence" may be preferred in formal settings. Understanding the nuances of "carelessness" allows for more precise communication about responsibility and outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligence

Focuses on a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances.

lack of attention

Highlights the absence of focus or heedfulness.

inattention

Emphasizes a failure to pay attention.

oversight

Indicates an unintentional failure to notice or do something.

heedlessness

Stresses a disregard for potential consequences.

laxity

Suggests a lack of strictness or care.

remissness

Implies a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

imprudence

Highlights a lack of wisdom or good judgment.

thoughtlessness

Emphasizes a lack of consideration for others.

dereliction

Focuses on the conscious abandonment of a duty or responsibility.

FAQs

How can "carelessness" be used in a sentence?

"Carelessness" is a noun that describes a lack of attention or caution. For example: "His "carelessness" led to several mistakes" or "The accident was caused by "carelessness"."

What are some synonyms for "carelessness"?

Synonyms for "carelessness" include "negligence", "inattention", and "oversight". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "carelessness" a formal or informal word?

"Carelessness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or legal settings, "negligence" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "carelessness" and "recklessness"?

"Carelessness" implies a lack of attention or caution, while "recklessness" suggests a conscious disregard for a known risk. Recklessness is a more severe form of negligence.