hooletuslikeks

Hooletuslikeks is an Estonian term used to describe people, groups, or processes that exhibit negligence or negligent behavior. It is the plural translative form of the adjective hooletuslik and is typically used in contexts where change into a negligent state is being described, or where a group is characterized as acting negligently.

Etymology and form: The word combines the noun hooletus, meaning negligence, with the suffix -lik to form an adjective meaning negligent or negligent-like. The ending -eks marks the plural translative case, which in Estonian is used to express becoming or changing into a state, applied here to plural subjects.

Usage notes: Hooletuslikeks functions as a predicative modifier in sentences with verbs that indicate change or becoming, such as jääma or muutuma, and can also describe a group or system whose practices are deemed negligent. It is primarily a formal or technical term and may appear in discussions of risk management, organizational culture, or legal/ethical evaluations.

Examples:

- Nad jäid hooletuslikeks juhtimiskäitumiste tõttu. (They became negligent in their management conduct.)

- Ettevõtte protokollide puudused viivad hooletuslikeks praktikateks. (The deficiencies in company protocols lead to negligent practices.)

See also: hooletus (negligence), hooletu (careless), hooletuslik (negligent-like).