Definition of neglectfulnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglectful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of neglectful are lax, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When can lax be used instead of neglectful?

The meanings of lax and neglectful largely overlap; however, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When might negligent be a better fit than neglectful?

While the synonyms negligent and neglectful are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

Where would remiss be a reasonable alternative to neglectful?

The words remiss and neglectful can be used in similar contexts, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When is it sensible to use slack instead of neglectful?

The words slack and neglectful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

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 neglectful Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026 Sam, meanwhile, feels that his dad is both overbearing and neglectful of his music dreams, and tensions run high between them. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 When a property falls into disrepair — whether through abandonment, a neglectful landlord, or the owner can't keep up — neighbors start to worry about the impact on their community. Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 There’s an absent father and a clueless, neglectful mother but the five Gilbert children — Lydia, Hugo, Annabel, Jeremy and Rosalind — are essentially raising themselves in an English country house of secret passages and worrying infestations. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neglectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglectful
Adjective
  • Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • Sell the two at much the same price, and careful investors end up holding careless risk.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Why This Happens To The Best Business Owners The trap does not catch the lazy or the careless.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • This cannot happen if lazy tropes around risk and governance continue to overshadow the ingenuity already present on the continent.
    Jeremy Ebobisse, Time, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Daniel Joseph Murphy, 48, was found guilty on three counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer, along with negligent discharge of a firearm, according to a Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office news release.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026
  • Lebel has since been arrested on charges of criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault and driving under the influence.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Once the colony grew, the birds roosted in a derelict military barracks nearby, later returning to the pine forest when the facility was renovated.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
  • When Ken Fulk and Kurt Wootton purchased what would become Durham Ranch—named after one of their dogs—the California wine country property was in disrepair, with a derelict 1940s ranch house and a handful of rickety outbuildings.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Neglectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglectful. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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