neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless, heedless

neglectfully

ni-ˈglek(t)-fə-lē 

adverb

neglectfulness noun

Synonyms

• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• derelict

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

Parents, even the well-meaning ones, tend to be neglectful, or also dead. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025

Named after the minimalist philosopher who apparently lived in a jar in Athens, and who also lent his name to Diogenes syndrome, a disorder of neglectful hoarding. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025

Simone manages to evade her sister’s attempts to drag her home to Buffalo to care for their neglectful, aging father for most of the premiere. —Megan Vick, Variety, 11 Aug. 2025

The Times described harrowingly neglectful care, and said that at least six patients had died after treatment. —Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neglect entry 2 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neglectful

• respectful
• disrespectful

Kids Definition

neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless

neglectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb