thoughtless

[ thawt-lis ]

adjective

1. lacking in consideration for others; inconsiderate; tactless:

   a thoughtless remark.

   Synonyms: neglectful, negligent

2. characterized by or showing lack of thought: think: thought:

   a shallow, thoughtless book.

3. not thinking enough; careless or heedless:

   thoughtless of his health.

   Synonyms: remiss, inattentive

4. devoid of or lacking capacity for thought. think. thought.

thoughtless

/ ˈθɔːtlɪs /

adjective

1. inconsiderate

   a thoughtless remark

2. having or showing lack of thought

   a thoughtless essay

3. unable to think; not having the power of thought

Derived Forms

• ˈthoughtlessness, noun
• ˈthoughtlessly, adverb

Other Words From

• thoughtless·ly adverb
• thoughtless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoughtless¹

First recorded in 1585–95; thought ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

He might have made the point that knowledge changes, sometimes profoundly, and that one era’s objective truth may be revealed, by the light of another era, as a fallacy held together by thoughtless habit.

From Nautilus

A large portion of the dissatisfaction that employees feel is the result of actively toxic company policy, thoughtless management and executives clinging to the status quo.

From Time

When a thoughtless act of revenge awakens some dormant evil, Deena and her friends must dig deep into the dark history of their hometown in hopes of saving themselves.

From Time

If it’s the tip of a thoughtless iceberg, then think bigger, please, about whether your marriage gives you what you need.

From Washington Post

Or, if he’s just thoughtless, you play along and let him think he’s getting one by all of you.

From Washington Post

The rest of the episode follows Carrie spreading the gospel of her indignance over the thoughtless goodbye.

From The Daily Beast

He should, according to Mahony, prepare himself to be whacked over the head with such a thoughtless and offensive gift.

From The Daily Beast

They were often cruel and thoughtless to one another, regardless of their complete commitment to their family.

From The Daily Beast

Luckily for them, the science runs directly against his thoughtless posturing about the importance of children.

From The Daily Beast

It was foolish and thoughtless of me to say this, but you know how little tact the average painter has.

From The Daily Beast

It is either thoughtless repetition, or thoughtful Analysis that he must use.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a very audible titter in the corner where three thoughtless young girls had squeezed themselves into one rocking-chair.

From Project Gutenberg

Irish anecdotes are exceedingly droll; but they only tend to show the thoughtless side of the Irish character.

From Project Gutenberg

What a thoughtless wicked fool she had been; she had wrecked her own life and her cousin's by her wicked folly.

From Project Gutenberg

You get some ladies together and badger them into all sorts of thoughtless, unmeant admissions and call that testimony!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• careless
• foolish
• ill-advised
• ill-considered
• irrational
• mindless
• reckless
• senseless
• stupid