thoughtlessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thoughtlessness" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a lack of consideration or thought given to something or someone. For example: His thoughtlessness towards other people's feelings caused lasting damage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost any of us can be dumped in front of the court of public opinion and put on trial for stupidity and thoughtlessness.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was forbidden to leave the podium, use props, pose direct questions to the other candidate or use anecdotes about members of the audience to illustrate the thoughtlessness of the other candidate's policies.

The Economist

It is, in short, thoughtlessness, and the avoidance of cliché is therefore not just a requirement for a stylist, but a duty for the moralist.

The Economist

But the thoughtlessness of the debt deal notably its failure to tackle any of the real sources of America's fiscal problems, such as entitlement spending raises a bigger worry.

The Economist

Every company needs them, just as it needs appropriate rules to govern the thoughtlessness and intolerance of those who insist upon being fragrant.

The Economist

A monument to the passenger pigeon, in Wisconsin's Wyalusing State Park, declares: "This species became extinct through the avarice and thoughtlessness of man".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a highly controversial work, Eichmann in Jerusalem (1963), based on her reportage of the trial of the Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1961, Arendt argued that Eichmann's crimes resulted not from a wicked or depraved character but from sheer "thoughtlessness": he was simply an ambitious bureaucrat who failed to reflect on the enormity of what he was doing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is why I was disappointed to see Liam Byrne, who knows better, yesterday parroting "neoliberalism", the reliable indicator of thoughtlessness.

Independent

Discrimination was seen through "unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping".

Independent

She defeated the miners but gave little thought to reviving the wrecked communities left behind, thoughtlessness recently regretted by her otherwise great admirer Norman Tebbit.

Independent

That may be why she concludes that Eichmann is "banal" and that his deeds are the work of his "sheer thoughtlessness".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, provide context when describing an action or behavior as an act of "thoughtlessness". Make clear what the individual failed to consider or the potential harm caused by their oversight.

Common error

Avoid using "thoughtlessness" as a synonym for stupidity. "Thoughtlessness" implies a lack of consideration or awareness, while stupidity suggests a lack of intelligence or understanding. Someone can be thoughtful but unintelligent, or intelligent but thoughtless.

Linguistic Context

The word "thoughtlessness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a lack of consideration, care, or forethought. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both general character traits and specific instances of inconsiderate behavior. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoughtlessness" is a noun that describes a lack of consideration or care. As the Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While often used negatively to criticize or evaluate behavior, it's important to distinguish "thoughtlessness" from related concepts like stupidity or negligence. Consider alternatives like "inconsideration" or "heedlessness" to fine-tune your message. Avoid using it as a direct modifier; opting for "thoughtless" is generally more natural. By understanding these nuances, you can use "thoughtlessness" effectively and precisely in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsideration

Direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of consideration for others.

lack of consideration

Highlights the absence of thoughtful regard.

heedlessness

Focuses on a lack of attention or care.

carelessness

Implies negligence and a lack of attention to detail.

negligence

Stresses a failure to exercise reasonable care.

indiscretion

Suggests a lack of good judgment and tact.

imprudence

Emphasizes a lack of wisdom and caution.

rashness

Focuses on acting without thinking, often impulsively.

insensitivity

Highlights a lack of emotional awareness or empathy.

apathy

Implies a lack of interest or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "thoughtlessness" in a sentence?

You can use "thoughtlessness" to describe a lack of consideration or care. For example, "His "thoughtlessness" hurt her feelings" or "The accident was due to sheer "thoughtlessness"".

What is a good substitute for "thoughtlessness"?

Alternatives to "thoughtlessness" include "inconsideration", "heedlessness", and "carelessness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a thoughtlessness act"?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and natural to say "a thoughtless act". Using "thoughtless" as an adjective is more prevalent than using "thoughtlessness" as a direct modifier.

What's the difference between "thoughtlessness" and "negligence"?

"Thoughtlessness" implies a lack of consideration or awareness, while "negligence" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, often with legal implications. Negligence typically involves a duty of care that has been breached.