careless

/'keəlis/

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Explanation of "Careless"

Definition: The word "careless" is an adjective that describes someone or something that shows a lack of attention, thought, or consideration. If a person is careless, they do not take enough care in what they do, which often leads to mistakes or problems.

Usage Instructions

• "Careless" is usually followed by the preposition "of." For example, "careless of the consequences."
• It can describe actions, behaviors, or attitudes.

Examples

1. Mistakes: "She made a careless mistake on her exam." (This means she didn't pay enough attention and made an error.)
2. Behavior: "He was careless with his words and hurt her feelings." (This means he spoke without thinking about how it might affect others.)
3. Housekeeping: "The house was messy, showing how careless the housekeeper was." (This indicates a lack of attention to cleanliness.)

Advanced Usage

• In more complex contexts, "careless" can describe a person's attitude towards responsibilities or their environment. For example, "The careless attitude of the team led to the project's failure."

Word Variants

• Carelessly (adverb): "He spoke carelessly during the meeting."
• Carelessness (noun): "Her carelessness resulted in a lot of extra work."

Different Meanings

While "careless" generally refers to a lack of attention, it can also imply a relaxed or effortless style in certain contexts, such as "careless elegance," which describes a natural, unforced beauty.

Synonyms

• Negligent
• Reckless
• Thoughtless
• Inattentive
• Sloppy

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are not many direct idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use "careless," but you might encounter phrases like: - "Careless whispers": A phrase from a song that implies speaking thoughtlessly, often about secrets or private matters. - "Careless in thought": Suggests a lack of deep thinking or consideration in one's ideas.

Summary

"Careless" describes a lack of attention or thoughtfulness in actions or behavior. It can be used in various contexts to indicate negligence or a relaxed style.

Academic

Adjective

1. (usually followed by `of') without due thought or consideration
   • careless of the consequences
   • crushing the blooms with regardless tread
2. effortless and unstudied
   • an impression of careless elegance
   • danced with careless grace
3. marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
   • careless about her clothes
   • forgotten by some careless person
   • a careless housekeeper
   • careless proofreading
   • it was a careless mistake
   • hurt by a careless remark

Synonyms

• careless
• regardless