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remiss

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adjective re·miss \ri-ˈmis\

Definition of remiss

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

  2. 2 :  showing neglect or inattention :  lax

remissly

adverb

remissness

noun

See remiss defined for English-language learners

See remiss defined for kids

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Examples of remiss in a Sentence

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. “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

  4. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift.

Origin and Etymology of remiss

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

remiss Synonyms

Synonyms
careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, slack
Antonyms
attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
Related Words
heedless, incautious, irresponsible, reckless, wild; unguarded, unwary; forgetful; disregardful, disregarding, inattentive, oblivious, thoughtless, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking; apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested; delinquent; loose
Near Antonyms
meticulous, painstaking, punctilious; cautious, chary, circumspect, gingerly, guarded; alert, heedful, heeding, mindful, observant, regardful, regarding, vigilant, wary, watchful; foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, responsible; thinking, thoughtful; concerned, interested

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. 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

REMISS Defined for English Language Learners

remiss

play
adjective

Definition of remiss for English Language Learners

  • : not showing enough care and attention

REMISS Defined for Kids

remiss

play
adjective re·miss \ri-ˈmis\

Definition of remiss for Students

  1. :  careless in the performance of work or duty I was remiss in paying my bills.

Learn More about remiss

  1. See words that rhyme with remiss Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for remiss Spanish Central: Translation of remiss Nglish: Translation of remiss for Spanish speakers

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Examples: remiss in a Sentence
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