Added 9 October 2026
careless
/ˈkɛəlɪs/ adjective
In Latin: neglegēns, indīligēns Wiktionary
adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about careless at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful.
careless about her clothes
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Effortless and unstudied.
an impression of careless elegance
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(usually followed by `of') without due thought or consideration.
careless of the consequences
Origin
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”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)