careless
gb/kˈɛɹləs/ us/kˈɛɹləs/
B1
English
~ 3600
figyelmetlen, gondatlan, meggondolatlan, felelőtlen, tapintatlan
B1
1
figyelmetlen
A2
gondatlan
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is careless with [something]
He made a careless mistake on the form.
Figyelmetlenségből hibázott az űrlapon.
It was careless of you to leave the door unlocked.
Figyelmetlenség volt tőled, hogy nem zártad be az ajtót.
A careless driver caused the accident.
She is often careless with her spelling.
Careless handling of the machine can cause injury.
Learner examples
I was careless and broke the glass.
Figyelmetlen voltam, és eltörtem a poharat.
He made a careless mistake in the test.
Figyelmetlen hibát követett el a teszten.
She is careless with her phone.
It was careless to forget your keys.
The boy was careless and lost his bag.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'careless' with 'carefree'. 'Carefree' means relaxed and without worries, not lacking attention.
Meaning
Not paying enough attention
Collocations
careless mistake
|careless driver
|careless with money
|careless attitude
Synonyms
negligent (More formal and often used in legal or professional contexts for failing to take proper care.)
|
sloppy (Informal; suggests untidy or poorly done work due to lack of care.)
Antonyms
careful (Paying close attention to avoid mistakes or danger.)
|
cautious (Taking extra care to avoid problems or risks.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|safety
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
Not giving enough attention or care, so that mistakes or problems happen.
Failing to give enough attention or thought to avoid errors, damage, or risk.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is careless about [something]
He made a careless remark that offended her.
Meggondolatlan megjegyzést tett, amivel megbántotta.
Their careless attitude toward safety rules worries me.
Aggaszt a biztonsági szabályokhoz való felelőtlen hozzáállásuk.
The company was accused of careless disregard for the environment.
She gave a careless shrug, as if it didn’t matter.
That was a careless thing to say in front of the boss.
Learner examples
He made a careless joke about her.
Tapintatlan viccet mondott róla.
She is careless about her health.
Felelőtlenül bánik az egészségével.
It was careless to speak like that.
They have a careless attitude toward rules.
He gave a careless answer in class.
Meaning
Not concerned about seriousness
Collocations
careless remark
|careless attitude
|careless disregard
Synonyms
reckless (Stronger; implies taking dangerous risks without thinking of the consequences.)
|
heedless (Formal; ignoring possible dangers or problems.)
Antonyms
concerned (Showing interest or worry about something important.)
|
responsible (Acting in a way that shows you understand and accept duties or consequences.)
Themes
attitudes
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not worrying about something that is important or serious.
Showing little thought or concern for something that should be treated seriously.
Grammar
Dictionary form
careless
IPA
GB/kˈɛɹləs/
US/kˈɛɹləs/
Syllables & stress
care - less (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (care)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: careless
Word family
Core family
Related words
carelessness
noun B1
caring
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
uncaring
adjective
Advanced or less common
carefulness
noun
Expressions
careless driving
1/kˈɛɹləs dɹˈaɪvɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Driving without attention or caution
Driving in a way that is not safe because you are not paying enough attention.
Examples
- He was fined for careless driving after the accident.
- Careless driving can cause serious harm to others.
careless mistake
1/kˈɛɹləs mɪstˈeɪk/
fixed phrase
Mistake from lack of care
A mistake that happens because someone did not pay enough attention.
Examples
- He lost the game because of a careless mistake.
- A single careless mistake can ruin your work.
careless with money
1/kˈɛɹləs wˈɪθ mˈʌni/
fixed phrase
Spending money without caution
Spending money without thinking carefully or being responsible.
Examples
- He’s always been careless with money, buying things he doesn’t need.
- If you’re careless with money, you may get into debt.