What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mindless
Example
I watched mindless TV for hours last night. [mindless: adjective]
Example
The driver was in a mindless daze and didn't notice the red light. [mindless: adjective]
Example
He made a mindless decision without considering the consequences. [mindless: adjective]
thoughtless
Example
It was thoughtless of him to make that comment about her weight. [thoughtless: adjective]
Example
She acted thoughtlessly when she quit her job without giving notice. [thoughtlessly: adverb]
Example
He regretted his thoughtless behavior towards his friends. [thoughtless: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thoughtless is more commonly used than mindless in everyday language. Thoughtless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mindless is less common and refers to a narrower range of activities or behaviors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mindless and thoughtless?
Both mindless and thoughtless are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts.
