How to pronounce careless
Say it like KAIR-lus. Careless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce careless. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAIR
- lus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Careless pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- lusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of careless
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAIR-lis.
What does careless mean?
- marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful“careless about her clothes”“forgotten by some careless person”
- effortless and unstudied“an impression of careless elegance”“danced with careless grace”
- (usually followed by of) without due thought or consideration“careless of the consequences”“crushing the blooms with regardless tread”
Where does careless come from?
From Middle English careles, from Old English carlēas (“careless, reckless, void of care, free from care, free”), equivalent to care + -less.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with careless
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of careless.
Questions about saying careless
How do you pronounce careless?
Say KAIR-lus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛrləs/. In British English it is /ˈkɛəlɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in careless?
Careless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR). Broken into parts: KAIR · lus.
Is careless pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɛəlɪs/ (KAIR-lis).