1. (a.) Full of care; anxious; solicitous.

2. (a.) Filling with care or solicitude; exposing to concern, anxiety, or trouble; painful.

3. (a.) Taking care; giving good heed; watchful; cautious; provident; not indifferent, heedless, or reckless; -- often followed by of, for, or the infinitive; as, careful of money; careful to do right.