Carelessly: meaning, definitions and examples

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carelessly

 

[ ˈkerləsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a reckless manner

Without care or attention; in a reckless or hasty manner. Acting or done with a lack of thought or consideration.

Synonyms

heedlessly, recklessly, thoughtlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
carelessly

Used when describing actions done without proper attention or thought, often leading to mistakes or accidents.

  • She carelessly left the door unlocked
  • He carelessly spilled coffee on the new carpet
recklessly

Describes actions taken without any regard for danger or consequences. This often implies a high level of risk or danger.

  • She drove recklessly through the crowded streets
  • They recklessly invested in a failing company
heedlessly

Used when someone ignores warnings or advice, often leading to negative consequences. This has a more critical tone.

  • He heedlessly ignored the weather warnings and went hiking
  • They heedlessly spent all their savings on a risky investment
thoughtlessly

Refers to actions done without considering the feelings or well-being of others, often perceived as inconsiderate or selfish.

  • He made a thoughtless comment that hurt her feelings
  • She thoughtlessly interrupted the meeting

Examples of usage

  • He carelessly tossed the keys on the table.
  • She carelessly walked across the street without looking both ways.
Context #2 | Adverb

without caution

In a manner that shows a lack of caution or carefulness. Not paying attention to potential risks or consequences.

Synonyms

heedlessly, rashly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
carelessly

This word is often used when someone does something without paying attention or without taking enough care, typically leading to mistakes or accidents.

  • She completed the assignment carelessly, resulting in numerous errors
  • He carelessly left the door unlocked
rashly

Used when someone acts without thinking things through, often in a hasty or reckless manner. It implies a lack of preparation or forethought and often has a negative connotation.

  • He rashly decided to quit his job without having another one lined up
  • She rashly invested all her savings in a dubious business scheme
heedlessly

Used to describe actions done without consideration or attention to warnings and consequences, often leading to negative outcomes. It has a more deliberate sense of ignoring advice or caution.

  • He heedlessly ignored the traffic signs, causing a serious accident
  • She went into the wilderness heedlessly, ignoring all the safety rules

Examples of usage

  • He carelessly handled the fragile vase and it broke.
  • She carelessly ignored the warning signs and got lost in the forest.

Translations

Translations of the word "carelessly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descuidadamente

🇮🇳 लापरवाही से

🇩🇪 achtlos

🇮🇩 ceroboh

🇺🇦 недбало

🇵🇱 nieostrożnie

🇯🇵 不注意に (ふちゅういに)

🇫🇷 négligemment

🇪🇸 descuidadamente

🇹🇷 dikkatsizce

🇰🇷 부주의하게

🇸🇦 بإهمال

🇨🇿 nedbale

🇸🇰 nedbalo

🇨🇳 粗心地

🇸🇮 neprevidno

🇮🇸 óvarlega

🇰🇿 ұқыпсыз

🇬🇪 უყურადღებოდ

🇦🇿 ehtiyatsızca

🇲🇽 descuidamente

Etymology

The word 'carelessly' originated from the combination of 'care' and the suffix '-less', which denotes the absence or lack of something. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. Over time, 'carelessly' has evolved to represent a manner of acting without attention or caution.

See also: care, career, carefree, careful, carefully, carefulness, caregiver, caregiving, careless, carelessness, caress, caretaker, caretakers, caretaking, caring, caringly, overcareful, ultracareful, uncaring, uncaringly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,823, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.