What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
careless
Example
He made a careless mistake on the test and lost points. [careless: adjective]
Example
She was careless with her belongings and ended up losing her phone. [careless: adjective]
inattentive
Example
The student was inattentive during the lecture and missed important information. [inattentive: adjective]
Example
The driver's inattentiveness caused him to miss the turn and get lost. [inattentiveness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Careless is more commonly used than inattentive in everyday language. Careless is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while inattentive is slightly less common but still widely understood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between careless and inattentive?
Both careless and inattentive can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, careless is generally associated with a more casual tone, while inattentive can be used in a slightly more formal context.
