What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
careless
Example
She made a careless mistake on her math test. [careless: adjective]
Example
He drove carelessly, swerving in and out of traffic. [carelessly: adverb]
reckless
Example
He took reckless risks while skiing down the steep slope. [reckless: adjective]
Example
The driver was charged with reckless driving after causing a major accident. [reckless: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Careless is more commonly used than reckless in everyday language. Careless is a broader term that can be applied to various situations, while reckless is typically used in more serious or extreme cases.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between careless and reckless?
Both careless and reckless can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, reckless is often associated with more serious or legal situations, making it slightly more formal than careless.
