B1nounworkpsychology
US/ˈker.ləs.nəs/
UK/ˈkeə.ləs.nəs/
the quality of not giving enough attention to avoid mistakes or harm
In context
The accident was caused by the driver's carelessness, not by bad weather.
Her carelessness with money meant she was always short at the end of the month.
A moment of carelessness can undo years of careful work in a laboratory.
Words that go with carelessness
adjective + noun
- sheer carelessnessIt was sheer carelessness that left the door unlocked.
noun + preposition
- through carelessnessHe lost the keys through carelessness.
- carelessness withCarelessness with passwords is a common security problem.
- a moment of carelessnessA moment of carelessness caused the mistake.
verb + noun
- blame carelessnessThe report blamed carelessness for the fire.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He did it by carelessness.Correct: He did it through carelessness.