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Glite Dictionary
incaution

incaution

8.9
A lack of care that can cause danger or loss
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈkɔːʃən/
translation icon : imprudencia
  • The team criticized her incaution in handling the fragile equipment.

Examples

  • His incaution while driving led to a minor accident.

  • This affords him the illusion of incaution.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • Avoiding incaution is essential when working with dangerous chemicals.

Synonyms

carelessness
vsincaution
16 2.8

Lack of attention that causes mistakes or accidents

focuses on failing to avoid danger or risk rather than mere mistakes
incautiousness
vsincaution
8.3

Not being careful about danger or risk

is the same meaning but appears as a different word form

Antonyms

caution
158 2.5

Care that helps you avoid danger or mistakes

carefulness
1 2.1

Paying close attention to avoid mistakes or harm

How Careful

vigilance
33 5.2
caution
158 2.5
carefulness
1 2.1
incaution
8.9
negligence
  • Specialized
80 6.5
recklessness
18 5.2

Surface Forms

incaution singular
incautions plural

Morphology

incaution = caution (semi-transparent) = in + caution

The meaning is fairly inferable as 'lack of caution', but this rare Latinate negative formation is less familiar and less productive for learners than ordinary native patterns.

Etymology

Incaution comes from in- ('not') plus caution ('care' or 'warning'), so it means 'not careful'. Think of it as the opposite of being cautious: someone showing incaution does not take enough care and may face danger.