careless
word
/ˈkɛɹɫəs/
KAIR-lis
/kˈeələs/
KAIR-lis
Definition
Not giving enough thought or attention to what you are doing, often leading to mistakes or accidents.
Usage & Nuances
'Careless' is mildly negative, describing actions done without proper attention. Common phrases: 'careless mistake', 'careless driving'. It is used in both formal and informal contexts. Don't confuse with 'carefree', which is positive and means relaxed.
Spanish: descuidado - imprudentePortuguese (BR): descuidado - negligentePortuguese (PT): descuidado - negligenteChinese (Simplified): 粗心的 - 不小心的Chinese (Traditional): 粗心的 - 不小心的Hindi: लापरवाह - असावधानArabic: غير مبالٍ - مهملBengali: অবৈচেতন - অসাবধান - অমনোযোগীRussian: небрежный - невнимательныйJapanese: 不注意な - 不用心なVietnamese: bất cẩnKorean: 부주의한Turkish: dikkatsizUrdu: لاپروا - بے احتیاطIndonesian: ceroboh - kurang hati-hati
Example Sentences
He made a careless mistake on his homework.
basic
Don’t be careless when crossing the street.
basic
She lost her keys because she was careless.
basic
That was a pretty careless thing to say in front of your boss.
natural
Sometimes being careless with your words can hurt others without you realizing.
natural
I got a ticket for careless driving last week.
natural