HEEDLESS

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Characterized by careless unconcern

Example:

reckless squandering of public funds

Synonyms:

heedless; reckless

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

careless (marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful)

Derivation:

heedlessness (the trait of acting rashly and without prudence)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Marked by or paying little heed or attention

Example:

heedless of the child's crying

Synonyms:

heedless; unheeding

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

careless; regardless ((usually followed by 'of') without due thought or consideration)

deaf; indifferent ((usually followed by 'to') unwilling or refusing to pay heed)

Attribute:

attentiveness; heed; paying attention; regard (paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people))

Antonym:

heedful (taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention)

Derivation:

heedlessness (the trait of acting rashly and without prudence)

heedlessness (a lack of attentiveness (as to children or helpless people))

Credits

Context examples:

And there, as they slowly paced the gradual ascent, heedless of every group around them, seeing neither sauntering politicians, bustling housekeepers, flirting girls, nor nursery-maids and children, they could indulge in those retrospections and acknowledgements, and especially in those explanations of what had directly preceded the present moment, which were so poignant and so ceaseless in interest.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

But indeed this good knight was a very quiet and patient man, for he saw that the Sieur de Crespigny was still young and spoke from an empty head, so he sat his horse and quaffed his wine, even as you are doing now, all heedless of the clacking tongue.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Pulling up his steed, he slightly inclined his head, and sat in the stern and composed fashion with which he had borne himself throughout, heedless of the applauding shouts and the flutter of kerchiefs from the long lines of brave men and of fair women who were looking down upon him.