Definition of derelictionnext
1
as in abandonment
the act of abandoning the dereliction by the owners of a once flourishing orchard

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2
3
as in neglect
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action both sentries were to be court-martialed for dereliction of duty

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4

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dereliction This plan, during such a critical period, is nothing less than a dereliction of duty and a further sign of how the Congressional majority is content to be subservient to this administration. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026 The unlawful attacks and murders by the Department of Homeland Security are another dereliction of congressional oversight, and both should be stopped before further harm can be done. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026 Four former Argentine navy officers stand trial for the 2017 ARA San Juan submarine sinking that killed 44 crew members, charged with dereliction of duty. Almudena Calatrava, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Selling lakes, rivers and other water resources to private investors is a dereliction of duty. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dereliction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dereliction
Noun
  • There’s misperceived betrayals, a surprise pregnancy, sudden abandonment, a sentimental reconciliation, a fatal illness and a tearful farewell.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • He is being sought for child abandonment and custodial interference, authorities said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His mother and young son sued in 2022, alleging wrongful death, assault and battery, and negligence.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The lawsuit accused the Port of Bremerton of gross negligence and breach of contract for its failure to ensure safety at the marina.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Inspired by the work of Spanish maestro Antoni Gaudí, Treister’s gem sadly fell into neglect in the early aughts.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Perhaps most jarringly, people harmed by government neglect or corporate abuse often backed movements aimed at shrinking the government even further.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Symptoms depend on the patient, but MS can cause muscle weakness, vision changes, walking problems, numbness, and more.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Verdad Advisers Dan Rasmussen Additionally, a deeper concern for investors is that the current episode is exposing structural weaknesses in the private market model itself.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The core of the story is the desertion and betrayal of Roseanna McCoy by all concerned.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing around 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in January.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The galley starts directly next to the lounge with an available 90-L Isotherm door fridge/freezer and extends down the passenger sidewall with a countertop with inbuilt sin and available portable induction cooktop.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
  • For Nikolas Indigo, the road to freedom was lined with warnings against a life of sin.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • If your diet is light on fiber and heavy on protein—standard for Americans and absolutely not your fault—your digestion can, well, slow down.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The San Andreas earthquake fault lies just a few miles away.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Now it had been relegated again to a leftist cause, a symbol of anti-imperial resistance for some and the face of communism’s failings for others.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The owner of the daycare, and the center itself, are also due to be sentenced after admitting safety failings, per the BBC and The Independent.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dereliction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dereliction. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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