carelessness

[ kair-lis-nis ]

noun

1. failure to pay enough attention to what one is doing; sloppiness:

   Unlike unavoidable error, a “mistake” in an experiment is something known to be incorrect due to accident, carelessness, or ineptitude.

2. lack of accuracy or thoroughness:

   The many instances of carelessness in the book (with references, dates, etc.) detract from its value.

3. the fact or quality of being said or done thoughtlessly or negligently:

   You were too quick to make promises you can’t possibly fulfill—which only shows the carelessness of your remarks.

4. lack of regard or concern for something (usually followed by of, about, for, or toward ):

   He was repulsed by their carelessness and cruelty toward those less fortunate.

   Her rudeness and arrogance betray her carelessness for other people's feelings.

5. effortless or artless quality:

   She is a highly intelligent academic who nevertheless speaks with the simplicity and carelessness of a child.

Other Words From

• o·ver·care·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carelessness¹

First recorded before 1000; careless ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

The film session examined how the Clippers had blown double-digits leads in all of their games this season, highlighting how carelessness with the basketball played a role in four losses.

From Los Angeles Times

"I apologise to those who have been hurt by my carelessness and wrongful behaviour, and I will ensure that this does not happen again in the future," he had said in a statement.

From BBC

Local fires linked to human error and carelessness, Valdivieso explained, have become more intense and difficult to extinguish.

From Salon

Today, as he reflects on what may have led to what he views as carelessness on the set of “Candy Cane Lane,” he blames a production environment that he describes as disorganized.

From New York Times

So it's not unreasonable for people to assume he may have relied on legal abortion so women can clean up the messes of his carelessness.

From Salon

Related Words

• inattention
• neglect
• negligence
• nonchalance
• sloppiness