English Explanatory Dictionary

careless

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Not concerned or worried (about).
  2. Not giving sufficient attention or thought, especially concerning the avoidance of harm or mistakes.
  3. Free from care; unworried, without anxiety.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɛəlɪs/ /ˈkɛələs/ /kɛɹ.ləs/ /kɛɚ.ləs/ en-us-careless.ogg /keː.ləs/ /kiə.ləs/ /keə.ləs/ /keɹ.ləs/ /kɜː(ɹ).ləs/

Word forms

careless more careless most careless

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵeh₂r-der. Proto-Germanic *karō Proto-West Germanic *karu Old English caru Proto-Indo-European *lewh₁- Proto-Indo-European *lewHs-der. Proto-Germanic *leusaną Proto-Germanic *lausaz Proto-Germanic *-lausaz Proto-West Germanic *-laus Old English -lēas Old English carlēas Middle English careles English careless From Middle English careles, from Old English carlēas (“careless, reckless, void of care, free from care, free”), equivalent to care + -less. Cognate with Icelandic kærulaus (“careless, negligent”).

Synonyms

careless cursory derelict heedless irregardless irrespective lash lax neglectful negligent reckless regardless remiss slack slapdash sloppy slovenly slipshod unfaithful laid-back unconcerned airy at ease at peace carefree casual chill cool devil-may-care easy-breezy easygoing happy-go-lucky indifferent insouciant leisurely lighthearted loose mellow nonchalant pococurante relaxed serene solute tranquil unanxious unbothered undisturbed unruffled untroubled unworried wanton

Antonyms

meticulous

Related words

guilty

Derived words

beastly careless carelessly carelessness overcareless
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