Synonyms of neglectful

neglectful

adjective

ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention

he's certainly not a neglectful father as he takes very good care of his children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• derelict
• reckless
• remiss
• lax
• slack
• oblivious
• disregardful
• irresponsible
• forgetful
• heedless
• inattentive
• thoughtless
• delinquent
• unmindful
• uninterested
• disinterested
• indifferent
• unthinking
• apathetic
• incautious
• unconcerned
• unwary
• unguarded
• wild
• unheeding
• disregarding
• loose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• conscientious
• attentive
• meticulous
• cautious
• responsible
• punctilious
• nonnegligent
• regarding
• circumspect
• painstaking
• watchful
• vigilant
• wary
• mindful
• guarded
• chary
• observant
• alert
• thinking
• provident
• thoughtful
• interested
• concerned
• heedful
• regardful
• gingerly
• foresighted
• heeding
• forethoughtful

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

Recent Examples of neglectful

Attendees will learn about what constitutes neglect, abuse and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as how to report an abusive or neglectful situation. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

Disorganized behavior: Mary/Jone refuses to eat with her/his family or have a bath, which may reflect disorganized or neglectful behavior. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil. —Sarah Harman, People.com, 11 May 2025

Speaking of the Senate: That chamber on Monday fully passed Senate Bill 20, which seeks to crack down on chronically neglectful landlords by allowing government authorities to temporarily take control of run-down apartment buildings. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 May 2025