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 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 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. Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neglectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglectful
Adjective
  • After an almost year-long investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office charged Pino with three misdemeanor counts of careless boating resulting in death.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
  • Dahlin earned another interference penalty later, and Zucker’s roughing penalty was careless.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Make Waves Let your cares float away with lazy beach days, shimmering pools, and the family-favorite Captiva Landing, which takes fun to new heights with five acres of activity.
    South Seas, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
  • The water park is open on weekends in May and features exciting water rides, a relaxing lazy river, and wave pool.
    Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Behind closed doors Taylor and Rachelle Kiesel are now among 15 families suing CALO in civil court, with allegations ranging from negligent infliction of emotional distress to battery.
    Samantha Rappaport, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • But in January 1977, after four days of testimony and 3½ hours of deliberations, Longet was acquitted of the felony charge and convicted of a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 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 22 May. 2026.

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