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

He said the files were accessed due to "carelessness", using passwords shared on messaging apps.

From Barron's

"Because of the huge extent of the damage that has been caused, the huge extent of the carelessness that was very obviously involved."

From BBC

It added: "The cyclist had right of way and a moment of carelessness from the driver, by not properly checking the road was clear to cross, has had a life changing impact on the cyclist."

From BBC

“You know,” Ma begins, “it’s this same carelessness that gets you zeros on your assignments. Even if you turn them in late, you can still get at least half credit.”

From Literature

No; it was the carelessness of people that did them in.

From Literature

Related Words

• inattention
• neglect
• negligence
• nonchalance
• sloppiness