careless

adjective

ˈker-ləs How to pronounce careless (audio)
Definition of carelessnext
1
as in unsafe
not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble a careless reporter who often doesn't get his facts straight a careless mistake that caused the plane to crash

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in neglectful
failing to give proper care and attention a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of careless Anyone old enough to vote is old enough to remember that California hasn’t always been so careless with its elections. — Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 17 June 2026 Establish penalties for reckless and careless operation. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 23 June 2026 That charming and shaggy approach is fitting for such a campy and irreverent comedy, ultimately substituting polish for an equal mixture of artistic grit and careless joy. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 Prosecutors reopen case Pino was initially charged in August 2026 with three counts of careless boating, a minor misdemeanor carrying a minimum sentence of 60 days in county jail. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
  1. unsafe
  2. neglectful
  3. reckless
  4. lazy
  5. negligent
Adjective
  • It is considered unsafe to swim in the rivers for at least 48 hours after a storm.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • As repair and evaluation work continues following major breaks in the Haverhill sewer line over a week ago, a nonprofit’s testing is still showing unsafe levels of fecal bacteria downstream in the Merrimack River.
    — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026
Definition of unsafe
Adjective
  • Parents could be accused of neglectful supervision if an underage child is left at home unattended.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.
    — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Definition of neglectful
Adjective
  • The insults often accompany reports and even videos of kids and teens engaging in reckless riding — weaving through traffic, running stop signs, ignoring pedestrians, and performing stunts like wheelies in opposing lanes, sometimes without helmets.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • Platner has faced multiple allegations of reckless and drunken behavior and disturbing behavior toward women since launching his campaign in August.
    — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Slicking back your hair with a perfect part brings this lazy day look to the next level.
    — Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Some claimed that Buddhists, like Asians generally, were passive and lazy, and that their religious rites reflected a dull, monotonous approach to life.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 July 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • Patricia Avila filed her civil suit against Brown in Los Angeles County Superior Court five years ago, suing the singer for premises liability, negligent infliction of emotional distress and strict liability.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Tumpa, her nephew, and Oro Recovery were also all accused of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Definition of negligent

Browse Nearby Words

caregiving
careless
carelessly
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Cite this Entry

“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on careless

Nglish: Translation of careless for Spanish Speakers

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