What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thoughtless
Example
It was thoughtless of him to make that joke about her weight. [thoughtless: adjective]
Example
She acted thoughtlessly when she forgot to lock the door. [thoughtlessly: adverb]
unthinking
Example
His unthinking response caused more harm than good. [unthinking: adjective]
Example
She acted unthinkingly when she grabbed the hot pan without oven mitts. [unthinkingly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thoughtless is more commonly used than unthinking in everyday language. Thoughtless is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while unthinking is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thoughtless and unthinking?
Both thoughtless and unthinking are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, thoughtless can also be used in formal contexts to describe behavior that lacks consideration or reflection.
