vårdslös

Vårdslös is a Swedish adjective used to describe a person or conduct that shows a lack of proper care or caution. The word combines vård, meaning care, with the suffix -slös, meaning without, so it conveys acting without the expected level of care.

In everyday language, vårdslös describes actions or omissions that risk harm to people, property, or environment. It can refer to careless handling, insufficient attention to safety, or imprudent decisions in situations where reasonable precautions are warranted. The term is commonly used across various domains, including workplace, healthcare, and personal conduct, to emphasize the absence of due care.

In legal contexts, vårdslöshet (negligence) is a key concept. Terms such as vårdslöshet i trafik (carelessness in traffic) are used to describe conduct that falls short of the standard of due care and can lead to civil liability or criminal responsibility depending on the severity and consequences. The specific requirements and penalties vary by jurisdiction and law, but the core idea is that failure to exercise appropriate care can obligate the responsible party to compensate for damages or face sanctions.

Related terms include negligence, carelessness, and recklessness. Vårdslös is often contrasted with diligent or careful behavior, which is expected in professional settings such as medicine, engineering, and transportation.

Overall, vårdslös characterizes a noticeable deficit in caution and responsibility that increases the risk of harm or loss.