NEGLIGENT Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'negligent' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax , neglectful , remiss , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lax' instead of 'negligent'?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: Where would 'neglectful' be a reasonable alternative to 'negligent'?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

Q: In what contexts can 'remiss' take the place of 'negligent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent , remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. // had been remiss in their familial duties

Q: When can 'slack' be used instead of 'negligent'?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

negligent

adjective

ˈne-gli-jənt

Definition of negligent next

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention the youngster has been woefully negligent in taking care of the vacationing neighbor's dog, repeatedly forgetting to feed the poor animal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word negligent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax, neglectful, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use lax instead of negligent?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Where would neglectful be a reasonable alternative to negligent?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can remiss take the place of negligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of negligent?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of negligent The lawsuit alleges negligent infliction of emotional distress and negligence. —

Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 15 Dec. 2024 The lede reads: Daniel Penny, a former Marine who choked a fellow subway rider on an uptown F train last year, was acquitted on a charge of criminally negligent ... —

Becket Adams, National Review, 15 Dec. 2024 Second-degree manslaughter could have carried a sentence of up to 15 years, whereas criminally negligent homicide comes with sentencing guidelines of up to four years. —

Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 The jury deliberated for more than 24 hours across five days before acquitting Penny of criminally negligent homicide on Monday. —

Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for negligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negligent

Adjective

So many negative family cycles—such as unhealthy communication or neglectful parenting patterns—are fueled by unresolved pain or frustration over past events.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Just like his neglectful father did, the scribe devalues his wife and child to chase someone else’s idea of success.

Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024