neglectful

1 of 2

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless, heedless

neglectfully

ni-ˈglek(t)-fə-lē 

adverb

neglectfulness noun

neglectfulness

2 of 2

noun

ne·​glect·​ful·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being neglectful

Synonyms of neglectful

Adjective

• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• derelict

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

Adjective

he's certainly not a neglectful father as he takes very good care of his children

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed. —Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026

To do otherwise is neglectful and selfish. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026

Above a certain socioeconomic threshold, not spending an extra $1,000 a year or more in the hopes of doing so could seem neglectful. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026

Sid lives in the town of Matakana with her single, sometimes-neglectful alcoholic father Leo (Noah Taylor), who wanted to be a painter but now mows the lawns of rich neighbors and visiting Auckland rich boys occupying the beachfront mansions nearby in Omaha. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

neglect entry 2 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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