neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless, heedless

neglectfully

ni-ˈglek(t)-fə-lē 

adverb

neglectfulness noun

Synonyms

• careless
• derelict
• disregardful
• lax
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• remiss
• slack

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

The rise of institutional investment in housing has also made people more vulnerable to eviction and to neglectful or abusive landlord management practices. — Made By History, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025

Stress Factors There a few factors, mostly neglectful, that can cause stress on your peace lily. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025

And this isn’t to say Hackman didn’t turn in one of the best performances of his career as neglectful patriarch Royal. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025

These dream-memories throw us directly into the action with scenes involving mobsters, a neglectful father, and an explosion—all before skipping back to unrelated conversations in modern day. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neglect entry 2 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neglectful

• respectful
• disrespectful

Kids Definition

neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless

neglectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb