neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl How to pronounce neglectful (audio)
: given to neglecting : careless, heedless
neglectfully adverb
neglectfulness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for neglectful

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness.

negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

Examples of neglectful in a Sentence

he's certainly not a neglectful father as he takes very good care of his children
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Characteristics Children growing up in neglectful families may not have access to medical care, appropriate education, food, and other necessities. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024 Rapper Iggy Azalea, the mother of Carti’s son Onyx, has publicly accused him of being a neglectful father. Jayson Buford, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2024 These animals were pulled from captivity, where they were kept in neglectful conditions that prevented them from engaging in their natural hibernation behaviors. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024 My upbringing was neglectful and physically abusive at times and my parents were awful with money. refinery29.com, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for neglectful 

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neglectful was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near neglectful

Cite this Entry

“Neglectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neglectful. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

neglectful

adjective
ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl How to pronounce neglectful (audio)
: given to neglecting : careless
neglectfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on neglectful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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