neglectful

adjective

ne·glect·ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl

Synonyms of neglectful next

: given to neglecting : careless, heedless

neglectfully

ni-ˈglek(t)-fə-lē

adverb

neglectfulness noun

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 Millions of young people deal every day with alcoholic, drug-abusing or neglectful parents; peers who drink, vape and use drugs; violence at their schools or in their streets; and overwhelmed caregivers – whether parents or others – preoccupied with financial or other personal problems. —

Steven Berkowitz, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2023 Pass bylaws that give tenants the right to live in rat-free housing, holding neglectful landlords to account. —

WIRED, 7 Oct. 2023 Finally, some parents are just flat-out neglectful, creating the perfect storm for parentification. —

Nicole Harris, Parents, 24 July 2023 Harry’s hero’s journey starts with his escape from a deeply neglectful household; children can identify with his worries, and cheer his and his friends’ wit and bravery. —

Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2023 Prosecutors say the law has pushed addicts into treatment and helped save babies from neglectful or even dangerous environments. —

Amy Yurkanin | Ayurkanin@al.com, al, 4 Aug. 2023 Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who must raise themselves. —

Lauren Pardee, Parents, 17 Aug. 2023 Harry’s hero’s journey starts with his escape from a deeply neglectful household; children can identify with his worries and cheer his and his friends’ wit and bravery. —

Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2023 Mental health counselor Catherine Del Toro says parents who value their kids' achievements but devalue their feelings run the risk of raising narcissists, as do parents who remain emotionally distant or neglectful. —

USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neglectful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.