Carefree vs. Careless — What's the Difference?

Free of worries and responsibilities.

Taking insufficient care; negligent

Without cares or worries; free of concern or worries; without difficulty.

Marked by or resulting from lack of forethought or thoroughness

Free of trouble and worry and care; as, the carefree joys of childhood; carefree millionaires, untroubled financially.

Showing a lack of consideration

Nonchalant in a cheerful manner.

Unconcerned or indifferent; heedless

Cheerfully irresponsible; as, carefree with his money. Opposite of careful.

Unstudied or effortless

Same as unconcerned. Opposite of concerned.

Exhibiting a disposition that is free from cares; cheerful

Free of trouble and worry and care;

Not concerned or worried (about).

Cheerfully irresponsible;

Not giving sufficient attention or thought, especially concerning the avoidance of harm or mistakes.

(archaic) Free from care; unworried, without anxiety.

Free from care or anxiety. hence, cheerful; light-hearted.

Having no care; not taking ordinary or proper care; negligent; unconcerned; heedless; inattentive; unmindful; regardless.

Without thought or purpose; without due care; without attention to rule or system; unstudied; inconsiderate; spontaneous; rash; as, a careless throw; a careless expression.

Not receiving care; uncared for.

Marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful;

Effortless and unstudied;

(usually followed by `of') without due thought or consideration;

Showing an unthinking lack of consideration;