carelessness

American  

[kair-lis-nis] / ˈkɛər lɪs nɪs /

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, ortoward ).

   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.

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Other Word Forms

• overcarelessness noun

Etymology

Origin of carelessness

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

Example Sentences

“People are going to die because of carelessness.”

From Seattle Times

That ignores all that we did, through our carelessness and incompetence in the early years, to make the problem worse.

From Washington Post

“It’s time for the federal government to wake up and address the chaos that they caused — and in the meanwhile, we will fight tooth and nail to protect Texans from their carelessness.”

From Washington Times

The caution that has touched every household is the dread inspired by the Taliban soldiers who brandish their assault rifles and rockets with a calculated carelessness.

From New York Times

To do so twice looks an awful lot like carelessness.

From New York Times

Related Words

• inattention
• neglect
• negligence
• nonchalance
• sloppiness