carefulness

/ˈkɛrfəlnɪs/

/ˈkɛfəlnɪs/

Other forms: carefulnesses

Carefulness is a characteristic of being cautious, thoughtful, or prudent. When you write "FRAGILE" on a package you're mailing, you're hoping it will be handled with carefulness at the post office.

In many cases, you can substitute this noun with the shorter care. But in some cases, carefulness is more accurate, implying "caution" rather than "loving protection." While your best friend is a daredevil, your carefulness in all situations makes the trampoline park slightly less fun for you. The Old English precursor to carefulness, carfulnys, originally meant "anxiety."

Definitions of carefulness

1. noun

   the quality of being careful and painstaking
   “I admired the carefulness of his work”

   antonyms:

   carelessness

   the quality of not being careful or taking pains

   types:

   conscientiousness, painstakingness

   the trait of being painstaking and careful

   meticulosity, meticulousness, punctiliousness, scrupulousness

   strict attention to minute details

   thoroughness

   conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task

   diligence

   conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care required in a given situation

   strictness, stringency

   conscientious attention to rules and details

   type of:

   attentiveness

   the trait of being observant and paying attention
2. noun

   the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
   synonyms: caution, cautiousness

   type of:

   attentiveness

   the trait of being observant and paying attention