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 One of the tale’s bitterest ironies is that Victor will become a more demanding, more neglectful, and vastly more destructive father figure than Leopold ever was. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025 But his past haunts him, especially his childhood with an alcoholic, emotionally neglectful father (Stephen Graham) and loving but turbulent mother (Gaby Hoffman). Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 But his past haunts him, especially his childhood with an alcoholic, emotionally neglectful father (Stephen Graham) and loving but turbulent mother (Gabby Hoffman). Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025 Leaning into the disco-country of much of Man’s Best Friend, Carpenter sings about a neglectful lover. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neglectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglectful
Adjective
  • The driver of the truck was cited for careless driving; the vehicle was not equipped with chains, but chains were not required under state law in Friday morning’s conditions, according to Colorado State Patrol.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Drug, alcohol, careless living.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • White cast-iron chairs are perfectly positioned on a terrace to catch Stromboli’s volcanic smoke-show, and occasional fiery belch, in the distance over a lazy cocktail.
    Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Suzy Welch, a best-selling author and professor of management practice at New York University, hit back against those who brand the young generation lazy by reminiscing on her career journey.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Dowdy was found guilty of the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide in Sheeks's death.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Erik Duran used in a desperate effort to subdue Eric Duprey, 30, was heavy enough that the undercover cop needed both hands to lift it and toss it at the fleeing suspect, the sister of the cooler’s owner, testified during Duran’s trial on manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges.
    Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This stretch of the park, an object of fascination for Urbano, contains an array of a hundred or so different models of public gaslights, now obsolete and semi-derelict.
    Javier Montes, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
  • Fans of dark storytelling will find cruel necromancers, derelict mansions and strange alchemies in this page-turning epic.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Neglectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglectful. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on neglectful

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