remiss

adjective re·miss \ ri-ˈmis \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: remiss in a Sentence

Definition of remiss

1 : negligent in the performance of work or duty : careless

2 : showing neglect or inattention : lax

—

remissly

adverb

—

remissness

noun

See remiss defined for English-language learners

See remiss defined for kids

Examples of remiss in a Sentence

It would be remiss of me if I did not share with you the vital role God has played in my recovery. —Jennifer Howard, Undoing Time, 2001
But if we do not address these complexities in the public arena, and in ways that are spatially theoretically grounded, we will be remiss in carrying out our scholarly and civic responsibilities. —Saul B. Cohen, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, December 1991
"Well, Sally, I'm in fault, and I acknowledge it; I've been remiss; but I won't let tomorrow go by without stopping up them holes." —Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift.

Recent Examples of remiss from the Web

This roundup would be remiss without Bare Minerals’ powder foundation, a beauty community staple and Allure Best of Beauty winner.

— wendy gould, Allure, "The 9 Best Powder Foundations to Thwart Summer Sweat," 3 July 2018
Any survey of women in technology would be remiss to exclude perhaps the two most famous female computer-programming pioneers.

— anna wiener, The New Republic, "The Internet Women Made," 1 May 2018
Going back to Gonzaga—without even assessing options—would be remiss.

— jeremy woo, SI.com, "2018 NBA Draft: Four Prospects Who Should Test the Waters," 4 Apr. 2018
Goodell would be remiss to punt on this issue beyond May. Everybody needs clarity.

— george diaz, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Goodell, NFL can't dawdle on NFL National Anthem controversy," 28 Mar. 2018
Juwan Morgan: Would be remiss to let the last Stock Watch of the season pass without mentioning IU’s MVP.

— zach osterman, Indianapolis Star, "IU basketball stock watch: Justin Smith keeps rising, but turnovers rear their ugly head again," 26 Feb. 2018
The staff member was also quoted as saying that officials were remiss after workers began showing symptoms.

— USA TODAY, "Norovirus at Olympics has officials scrambling, worried," 7 Feb. 2018
Classical music has been remiss in addressing themes associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, certainly to the extent that artists working in film, theater, literature and visual art are doing.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Lawrence Brownlee delivers committed reading of new song cycle about being black and male in America," 23 Feb. 2018
But Yu would be remiss to offer only whiskies on his menu.

— shelbie lynn bostedt, chicagotribune.com, "Move over, sake: Chicago's thirst for Japanese whisky is on the rise," 11 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'remiss.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of remiss

Middle English, from Anglo-French remis, Latin remissus, from past participle of remittere to send back, relax

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

remiss Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of remiss

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness. negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.