careless

The story

1. Proto-Indo-European*ǵeh₂r-
2. Proto-Germanic*karō
3. Proto-West Germanic*karu
4. Old Englishcaru
5. Proto-Indo-European*lewh₁-
6. Proto-Indo-European*lewHs-
7. Proto-Germanic*leusaną
8. Proto-Germanic*lausaz
9. Old Englishcarlēas
10. Middle Englishcareles
11. English todaycareless

From Middle English careles, from Old English carlēas (“careless, reckless, void of care, free from care, free”), equivalent to care + -less. Cognate with Icelandic kærulaus (“careless, negligent”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 11ᵗʰc. Not concerned or worried (about).
• from 16ᵗʰc. Not giving sufficient attention or thought, especially concerning the avoidance of harm or mistakes.
• from 11ᵗʰc. Free from care; unworried, without anxiety.