Careless Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Careless, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Careless?

(adj) Careless is the state of mind in doing an activity or fulfilling a responsibility where in the person responsible is not attentive and prudent in doing things. Eg. Careless driving of the vehicle.

History and Meaning of Careless

The term "careless" originated from the early 17th century, derived from the word "care" and "less." It refers to a lack of care, attention or consideration for a task or responsibility. Carelessness is often associated with negligence, irresponsibility or recklessness, and it can have serious consequences in different contexts such as work, education, and personal life.

Examples of Careless

  1. Careless handling of hazardous materials can lead to serious injuries or environmental damage.
  2. Forgetting to save your work frequently while typing a long document can be a careless mistake that causes data loss.
  3. Leaving doors unlocked or windows open can be considered careless behavior that increases the risk of burglary or theft.
  4. Careless driving, which includes activities such as texting or driving under the influence of alcohol, is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents worldwide.
  5. Breaking fragile objects due to rough handling or not following proper storage procedures can indicate careless behavior.

Legal Terms Similar to Careless

  1. Negligence: failure to exercise reasonable care in performing an activity, resulting in harm or injury to others.
  2. Recklessness: disregard for the safety of others, resulting in harm or injury to them.
  3. Incompetence: the inability to perform a task or responsibility satisfactorily due to lack of knowledge, training, or skill.