derelict

¹der·e·lict

adj \ˈder-ə-ˌlikt, ˈde-rə-\

Definition of DERELICT

1

: abandoned especially by the owner or occupant; also : run-down

2

: lacking a sense of duty : negligent

Examples of DERELICT

1. The officer was charged with being derelict in his duty.
2. <the guards were judged derelict in their duty>

Origin of DERELICT

Latin derelictus, past participle of derelinquere to abandon, from de- + relinquere to leave — more at relinquish

First Known Use: 1649

Related to DERELICT

Synonyms: careless, negligent, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack

Antonyms: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent

Related Words: heedless, incautious, irresponsible, reckless, wild; unguarded, unwary; forgetful; disregardful, disregarding, inattentive, oblivious, thoughtless, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking; apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested; delinquent; loose

Near Antonyms: meticulous, painstaking, punctilious; cautious, chary, circumspect, gingerly, guarded; alert, heedful, heeding, mindful, observant, regardful, regarding, vigilant, wary, watchful; foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, responsible; thinking, thoughtful; concerned, interested

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Rhymes with DERELICT

benedict, contradict, interdict, Lake District, maledict, retrodict, Scotch verdict