Synonyms of negligence

negligence

noun

ˈne-gli-jən(t)s 

1

as in neglectfulness

failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes

exhibiting his usual negligence, he failed to set the emergency brake, and the car rolled down the steep hill and crashed into the telephone pole

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglectfulness
• carelessness
• neglect
• omission
• laxness
• recklessness
• heedlessness
• remissness
• slackness
• dereliction
• malpractice
• misconduct
• malfeasance
• irresponsibility
• foolhardiness
• incaution
• incautiousness
• mismanagement
• rashness
• wildness
• inattention
• forgetfulness
• inadvertence
• mishandling
• delinquency
• inattentiveness
• inadvertency
• misdirection
• shortsightedness
• obliviousness
• irresponsibleness
• unwariness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• care
• caution
• awareness
• carefulness
• attention
• attentiveness
• alertness
• cautiousness
• responsibility
• vigilance
• watchfulness
• observance
• circumspection
• heedfulness
• responsibleness

2

as in neglect

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action

the factory's owners are being charged with criminal negligence for the fire that killed a dozen workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglect
• failure
• oversight
• default
• nonfeasance
• delinquency
• carelessness
• dereliction
• inadvertence
• misprision
• laxity
• inadvertency
• heedlessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• compliance
• fulfillment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of negligence

Zarutska’s uncle, represented by Newton, wants a jury trial and is suing for at least $175,000 in damages related to wrongful death and negligence. — Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

Common behaviors that can establish negligence include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, running a red light, or making an unsafe lane change. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

The complaints accused Oaks Amusement Park of negligence, alleging that the park did not safely maintain and operate the ride, lacked the tools for a quick repair and did not thoroughly warn riders of potential dangers. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

SafeSport’s authority and procedures from the perspective of the accused, while accusing the organization of negligence from the perspective of survivors. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026