Thoughtlessness

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈθɔːtləsnɪs/

Definitions

1. The quality of acting or speaking without proper consideration for consequences or the feelings of others
2. The attribute of showing a disregard for the feelings and perspectives of others while failing to reflect on the implications of one’s actions
3. The state of acting without regard for others' feelings or the possible outcomes of one's behavior

Etymology: Thoughtlessness is a plain English compound built from two old parts. The first, "thought," comes from Old English "þōht," a word that has been in the language since its earliest recorded period, and the second, "-less," comes from Old English "lēas," meaning "free from" or "lacking." Put together, "thoughtless" meant "lacking thought" and, by the same pattern, was used for a person or act that showed no consideration. The final piece, "-ness," is an ancient suffix from Old English "-nes" that turns an adjective into a noun for a state or quality. Adding it to "thoughtless" produces a noun naming the condition of being thoughtless, which is how the word is used today: acting without regard for others' feelings or for what one's behavior might lead to.

Synonyms: carelessness, inconsideration

Antonyms: thoughtfulness, consideration