How to pronounce carelessness
Say it like KAIR-luh-snus. Carelessness has three 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 carelessness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAIR
- luh
- snus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carelessness 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.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- snusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of carelessness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAIR-luh-snus.
What does carelessness mean?
- Lack of care; the state or quality of being careless.“This accident was caused by carelessness.”
Where does carelessness come from?
From Middle English *carelesnes, *carlesnesse, from Old English carlēasnes (“freedom from care, security, carelessness”), equivalent to careless + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying carelessness
How do you pronounce carelessness?
Say KAIR-luh-snus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛrləsnəs/. In British English it is /ˈkɛələsnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carelessness?
Carelessness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR). Broken into parts: KAIR · luh · snus.
Is carelessness 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 /ˈkɛələsnəs/ (KAIR-luh-snus).