careless

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Not giving enough attention or thought, so you make mistakes or cause harm.

   A careless mistake cost him the game.

2. 2
   adj

   Done without due thought or consideration.

   He hurt her with a few careless words.

3. 3
   adj

   Relaxed and natural, with no sign of effort.

   She had an air of careless elegance.

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”).

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