remiss

adjective

re·​miss ri-ˈmis 

1

: negligent in the performance of work or duty : careless

2

: showing neglect or inattention : lax

remissly adverb

remissness noun

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for remiss

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 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 on the Web

And one of the most exciting corners of the city, particularly for food lovers, is Summerhill, an area rich in history undergoing a renaissance that visitors would be remiss to overlook. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

Any list of the best restaurants in Tampa would be remiss not to mention local, independent institutions like Bern’s Steak House, Mise en Place, Malio’s Prime Steakhouse, Carmine’s, Donatello, La Teresita, and Bella’s Italian Café, to name a few. —Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 May 2025

The digestible nature of her content is not to be remiss. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025

The right would be remiss to completely disregard our current moment's traveling progressive-palooza—and its attendees—even this early. —Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remisse, borrowed from Latin remissus "relaxed, free from constraint, casual, lenient," from past participle of remittere "to send back, release, relax, ease off" — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for remiss

• abyss
• amiss
• chlamys
• dismiss
• premiss
• bis
• bliss
• criss
• dis
• diss
• hiss
• kiss

Kids Definition

remiss

adjective

re·​miss ri-ˈmis 

1

: careless in the performance of work or duty

remiss in paying one's bills

2

: showing neglect or lack of attention

service at the restaurant was remiss

remissly adverb

remissness noun