Careless: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is best used to describe someone who is not paying enough attention or is not taking enough care in their actions. It's suitable for everyday situations where someone's actions could lead to minor negative outcomes.

• She made a careless mistake on the test and got a lower score.
• His careless driving almost caused an accident.

Use this word to describe a failure to take proper care in doing something, often implying a legal or formal responsibility. It usually carries a serious or formal connotation.

• The company was found negligent in maintaining safety standards.
• The doctor was negligent in providing proper care to the patient.

This word should be used when someone is not just careless, but their actions are dangerous and show a lack of concern for the potential consequences. It often has a strong negative connotation.

• His reckless driving endangered everyone's lives on the road.
• She made a reckless decision without thinking about the risks.

This term is best used to describe actions done without considering others' feelings or the consequences, often leading to negative outcomes. It usually has a negative emotional impact.

• His thoughtless comments hurt her feelings deeply.
• Throwing trash on the ground is a thoughtless act.

This term is appropriate in contexts where someone is not paying attention, especially when they should be focusing. It is often used in professional or educational settings.

• The inattentive student missed important details in the lecture.
• His inattentive behavior at work led to the project being delayed.

Used when someone fails to pay enough attention to details or responsibilities, often leading to mistakes.

• He was careless with his work and made several errors
• Leaving the door unlocked was a careless mistake

Associated with actions done quickly without thinking carefully, often leading to negative outcomes. Has a negative connotation.

• Making a rash decision to invest all his money was a mistake
• Her rash actions got her into trouble with the law

Refers to someone who acts on sudden desires or feelings without considering the consequences, often in a positive or neutral way.

• She made an impulsive decision to book a spontaneous trip to Paris
• His impulsive nature makes him exciting to be around

Describes a person who is intentionally or recklessly ignoring potential consequences or warnings.

• He sped through the intersection, heedless of the traffic signals
• Her heedless behavior often gets her into trouble

Used to describe someone who does things without considering the consequences or other people's feelings. The term implies a lack of thought or concern.

• His comment was unthinking and hurt her deeply
• Unthinking behavior can often lead to misunderstandings