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 Penny is a Marine veteran found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on the New York City subway. —

Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2024 The lawsuit now includes eight plaintiffs who allege Givaudan was negligent regarding the safety and maintenance of the cooking vessel that caused the explosion. —

Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 21 Dec. 2024 Daniel Penny was charged with both second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, who Penny restrained with a chokehold, later saying he felt threatened by Neely’s erratic behavior on the New York subway. —

Emma Tucker, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024 Trump, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance and Daniel Penny, who was acquitted of negligent homicide charges this week, attended the matchup between Army and Navy in Maryland. —

The Hill Staff, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for negligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negligent

Adjective

Keepers of the Wild, Valentine This wildlife refuge along Historic Route 66 northeast of Kingman is home to hundreds of animals rescued from neglectful and abusive situations.

Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025
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