carelessness
UK: ˈkeələsnəs | US: ˈkerləsnəs
n. the quality or state of being careless; lack of attention or thought
The word "carelessness" combines "careless," derived from "care" (Old English caru, meaning "sorrow" or "concern") + the suffix "-less" (Old English -lēas, meaning "without"), with the noun-forming suffix "-ness" (Old English -nes). The progression reflects a shift from "care" as emotional concern to its negation ("careless") and finally to the abstract state ("carelessness"). This structure efficiently conveys the absence of attention or concern.
His carelessness led to several errors in the report.
The accident was caused by sheer carelessness.
She apologized for her carelessness with the fragile items.
Carelessness in handling chemicals can be dangerous.
The teacher warned against carelessness in exam answers.