THOUGHTLESSNESS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does thoughtlessness mean? 

• THOUGHTLESSNESS (noun)
  The noun THOUGHTLESSNESS has 2 senses:

1. the quality of failing to be considerate of others

2. the trait of not thinking carefully before acting

  Familiarity information: THOUGHTLESSNESS used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THOUGHTLESSNESS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The quality of failing to be considerate of others

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

inconsiderateness; inconsideration; thoughtlessness

Hypernyms ("thoughtlessness" is a kind of...):

unkindness (lack of sympathy)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "thoughtlessness"):

tactlessness (the quality of lacking tact)

bluntness (the quality of being direct and outspoken)

Antonym:

thoughtfulness (kind and considerate regard for others)

Derivation:

inconsiderate (without proper consideration or reflection)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The trait of not thinking carefully before acting

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

thoughtlessness; unthoughtfulness

Hypernyms ("thoughtlessness" is a kind of...):

trait (a distinguishing feature of your personal nature)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "thoughtlessness"):

foolhardiness; rashness; recklessness (the trait of giving little thought to danger)

impulsiveness (the trait of acting suddenly on impulse without reflection)

Derivation:

thoughtless (showing lack of careful thought)

 Context examples 

Lydia's thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter; and, of course, I could not rest till I knew the particulars.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

The compliment of John Thorpe's affection did not make amends for this thoughtlessness in his sister.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

There was comfort also in Tom, who gradually regained his health, without regaining the thoughtlessness and selfishness of his previous habits.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

When it struck him what he said, he was horrified at his thoughtlessness and tried to comfort her.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

The milkman, baker, grocer, and butcher inquired how she did, poor Mrs. Hummel came to beg pardon for her thoughtlessness and to get a shroud for Minna, the neighbors sent all sorts of comforts and good wishes, and even those who knew her best were surprised to find how many friends shy little Beth had made.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

As to the sad catastrophe itself, it could be canvassed only in one style by a couple of steady, sensible women, whose judgements had to work on ascertained events; and it was perfectly decided that it had been the consequence of much thoughtlessness and much imprudence; that its effects were most alarming, and that it was frightful to think, how long Miss Musgrove's recovery might yet be doubtful, and how liable she would still remain to suffer from the concussion hereafter!

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

He has had great faults, faults of inconsideration and thoughtlessness; and I am very much of his opinion in thinking him likely to be happier than he deserves: but still as he is, beyond a doubt, really attached to Miss Fairfax, and will soon, it may be hoped, have the advantage of being constantly with her, I am very ready to believe his character will improve, and acquire from hers the steadiness and delicacy of principle that it wants.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people's feelings, and want of resolution, will do the business.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Isabella could not be aware of the pain she was inflicting; but it was a degree of wilful thoughtlessness which Catherine could not but resent.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)