# carelessness

/ˈkɛɹɫəsnəs/ (US) · /kˈeələsnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carelessness
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the quality of not being careful. It describes a lack of attention to detail or a failure to follow rules.

For teachers: the quality of being unskilled or inattentive; a lack of caution or precision.

## Examples

- His carelessness caused the accident.
- The manager warned the team that their carelessness with the equipment could lead to expensive repairs.
- While the artist's technical skill was undeniable, the carelessness in the final brushstrokes suggested a lack of focus during the painting's completion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.