VocabDictionary

carelessness

/ˈkɛər.ləs.nəs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Failure to give sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors; negligence.

Example Sentences:
  • The accident was a result of sheer carelessness on the driver's part.
  • Her carelessness with sensitive company data led to a major security breach.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “carelessness”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'careles', from Old English 'carolēas', combining 'caru' (sorrow, anxiety, or charge) and the suffix '-lēas' (devoid of, free from), combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness' (denoting state or condition).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of being 'care-less'—you have fewer cares on your mind, which often leads to making mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About “carelessness

1. What is the meaning of “carelessness” in English?

In English, carelessness (noun) is defined as: “Failure to give sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors; negligence.”.

2. How do you use “carelessness” in a sentence?

The accident was a result of sheer carelessness on the driver's part.

3. What are English synonyms of “carelessness”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “carelessness”?

Derived from Middle English 'careles', from Old English 'carolēas', combining 'caru' (sorrow, anxiety, or charge) and the suffix '-lēas' (devoid of, free from), combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness' (denoting state or condition).