remiss

re·miss

adj \ri-ˈmis\

Definition of REMISS

1

: negligent in the performance of work or duty : careless

2

: showing neglect or inattention : lax

— re·miss·ly adverb

— re·miss·ness noun

Examples of REMISS

1. <I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift.>
2. It would be remiss of me if I did not share with you the vital role God has played in my recovery. —Jennifer Howard, Undoing Time, 2001
3. But if we do not address these complexities in the public arena, and in ways that are spatially theoretically grounded, we will be remiss in carrying out our scholarly and civic responsibilities. —Saul B. Cohen, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, December 1991
4. “Well, Sally, I'm in fault, and I acknowledge it; I've been remiss; but I won't let tomorrow go by without stopping up them holes.” —Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885

Origin of REMISS

Middle English, from Anglo-French remis, Latin remissus, from past participle of remittere to send back, relax

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to REMISS

Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, 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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See Synonym Discussion at negligent

Rhymes with REMISS

abyss, amiss, Brown Swiss, coulisse, dehisce, dismiss, French kiss, iwis, koumiss, near miss, submiss