careless

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   effortless and unstudied

   an impression of careless elegance

2. 2
   adj

   Not concerned or worried (about).

   "He was here," observed Drina composedly, "and father was angry with him." "What?" exclaimed Eileen. "When?" "This morning, before father went downtown." Both Selwyn and Lansing cut in coolly, dismissing the matter with a careless word or two; and coffee was served—cambric tea in Drina's case.

3. 3
   adj

   Not giving sufficient attention or thought, especially concerning the avoidance of harm or mistakes.

   Jessica was so careless that she put her shorts on backwards.

4. 4
   adj

   Free from care; unworried, without anxiety.

   Jessica was careless about putting her shorts on properly.

5. 5
   adj

   marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness

6. 6
   adj

   (usually followed by `of') without due thought or consideration

Etymology

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”).