negligent
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.neg·li·gent
adjective \-jənt\Definition of NEGLIGENT
1
a : marked by or given to neglect especially habitually or culpably b : failing to exercise the care expected of a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances
2
: marked by a carelessly easy manner
— neg·li·gent·ly adverb
See Examples of NEGLIGENT
- The fire was started by a negligent smoker.
- He was negligent in not reporting the accident to the police.
Origin of NEGLIGENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin neglegent-, neglegens, present participle of neglegere
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to NEGLIGENT
- Synonyms
- careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack
- Antonyms
- attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
Synonym Discussion of NEGLIGENT
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>.
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