thoughtless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thoughtless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a careless action or a person who is not considerate of the feelings of others. Example sentence: His thoughtless comment caused hurt feelings in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I jail, Ben's intolerance for thoughtless authority reared up almost immediately, following an arbitrary cell search.

The Guardian

From England we got reckless batting, thoughtless running and undisciplined bowling (but for Bresnan); from Australia we got decent bowling, excellent fielding and brutal, decisive batting.

The Guardian - Sport

I've read of Indian mothers transplanted to Britain who are – rightly – horrified by the thoughtless practice of keeping toothbrushes next to toilets and flushing with the seat up.

The Guardian - Opinion

His once formidable willpower was fading, and his thoughtless treatment of his family when he was a younger, ambitious man had caught up with him.

The Guardian

"Roistering, swaggering, thoughtless, voracious.

The Guardian

In the last few years, even the most thoughtless man in the street has realised that Hitlerism makes all these elements of civilised living impossible.

The Economist

I venture to say "nothing", so why the thoughtless panic?

The Economist

After their departure, they were replaced by thoughtless utopians and special-interest groups.

The Economist

Mr Hayward's thoughtless remark in the middle of the BP controversy—"I want my life back"—made him seem heartless, given that 11 workers had lost theirs in the accident.

The Economist

And yet he also shows his American fighting man without any veneer: at times selfless, resourceful and kind, at others thoughtless, crude and devoid of tact or empathy towards the local population".In the Company of Soldiers", a war diary of the 101st Airborne Division's experiences during the Iraq war, brings to life the lot of the common soldier.

The Economist

In his work, he said, he tried to rescue something from a thriftless society: think of it as a health warning against thoughtless waste.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or decisions, use "thoughtless" to emphasize a lack of consideration or foresight, rather than intentional malice.

Common error

Be careful not to use "thoughtless" when "malicious" or "intentional" is more accurate. "Thoughtless" implies a lack of consideration, not necessarily a desire to cause harm.

Linguistic Context

The word "thoughtless" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe actions, remarks, or behaviors characterized by a lack of consideration, forethought, or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes something done without thinking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoughtless" is a commonly used adjective to describe actions or remarks lacking consideration or care. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it carries a neutral register but a negative connotation. When using "thoughtless", consider the nuances of similar words like "inconsiderate" or "careless" to ensure accurate expression. Avoid using "thoughtless" when describing intentional malice; instead, reserve it for actions or words stemming from a lack of forethought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsiderate

Direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of consideration for others' feelings or needs.

unthinking

Highlights a lack of contemplation or reflection.

careless

Focuses on a lack of attention to detail, implying potential for errors.

uncaring

Highlights a lack of empathy or concern.

insensitive

Focuses on a lack of awareness or tact in dealing with sensitive issues.

rash

Implies acting without thinking of the consequences.

heedless

Suggests a failure to pay attention to warnings or advice.

imprudent

Highlights a lack of wisdom or foresight.

negligent

Indicates a failure to take necessary care or caution.

remiss

Suggests a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "thoughtless" in a sentence?

You can use "thoughtless" to describe actions or words that lack consideration for others, such as "a thoughtless remark" or "a thoughtless decision".

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

"Thoughtless" implies a lack of consideration or foresight, while "careless" suggests a lack of attention to detail. A careless mistake might be unintentional, while a thoughtless action often disregards potential consequences or feelings.

What can I say instead of "thoughtless"?

You can use alternatives like "inconsiderate", "uncaring", or "insensitive" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe someone as "thoughtless"?

Yes, using "thoughtless" typically carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of consideration or care that can lead to hurt feelings or negative consequences.