lax

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