Careless

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkɛːlɘs/
• Rhymes: -ɛə(ɹ)lÉ™s

Origin

From Middle English careles, from Old English carlēas ("careless, reckless, void of care, free from care, free"), equivalent to care + -less.

Full definition of careless

Adjective

1. (archaic) Free from care; unworried, without anxiety. from 11th c.
• 1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick:Good-humored, easy, and careless, he presided over his whale-boat as if the most deadly encounter were but a dinner, and his crew all invited guests.
2. Not concerned or worried (about). from 11th c.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 4, 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. Not giving sufficient attention or thought, especially concerning the avoidance of harm or mistakes. from 16th c.
   Jessica was so careless that she put her shorts on backwards.

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