Synonyms of neglecting

neglecting 1 of 2

adjective

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention

our chronically neglecting custodian has let trash accumulate around the warehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

neglecting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of neglect

1

as in ignoring

to fail to give proper attention to

as usual the news media neglected the real issues of the campaign and focused on personalities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignoring
• forgetting
• disregarding
• missing
• overlooking
• bypassing
• slighting
• omitting
• passing over
• slurring (over)
• rejecting
• failing
• overpassing
• disdaining
• scorning
• skimping
• brushing (aside or off)
• sloughing (off)
• shrugging off
• sluffing (off)
• pooh-poohing
• scanting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regarding
• attending (to)
• tending (to)
• valuing
• appreciating
• minding
• fostering
• cultivating
• heeding
• nurturing
• remembering
• cherishing
• nursing
• treasuring
• watching
• following
• listening (to)
• prizing
• noticing
• observing
• noting
• pampering
• marking
• remarking

2

as in forgetting

to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness

I've neglected my garden, and now it's overgrown with weeds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forgetting
• shirking
• slacking (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• doing
• remembering
• performing
• attending (to)
• carrying out
• executing
• achieving
• maintaining
• accomplishing
• keeping up

3

as in failing

to miss the opportunity or obligation

conveniently, the job applicant neglected to mention his criminal record

Synonyms & Similar Words

• failing
• forgetting
• omitting
• ignoring
• disregarding
• missing out on
• sliding
• passing over
• skipping
• defaulting
• overlooking
• slighting
• pretermitting
• slipping
• overpassing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• remembering
• keeping
• doing
• observing
• performing
• practicing
• carrying out
• executing
• heeding
• minding
• fulfilling
• meeting
• discharging
• satisfying
• complying (with)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of neglecting

Verb

As Jefferson’s opponents criticized him for sanctioning intervention and neglecting to free the prisoners, his supporters lashed out at the opposing Federalist Party for allegedly orchestrating a rebellion in Spain’s colonies in the first place. — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026

Chelsea had her probation revoked and was sentenced to jail in October after she was arrested three times in 2024, starting with a September arrest on multiple felony charges, including neglecting a child and possession of methamphetamine. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Concerns include potential regulatory capture, slow adaptation, and neglecting risks from other AI types. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

According to Littley, a common mistake among home cooks is neglecting how the pasta and sauce complement each other. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026

Yet no branch of science has debunked the idea that humans are neglecting lots of opportunities for ingesting animals. — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

Additionally, neglecting to remove leaves under your hydrangeas opens up the possibility of fungi and insect infestations. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

The 67-year-old owner of a Cherry Creek bridal shop was ordered last week to spend a year in federal prison for neglecting to pay employment taxes for 10 years. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 23 June 2026

The highland Indigenous and rural workers groups — who long supported MAS but helped vault Paz to power last year — have led the protests, accusing his government of neglecting their needs since entering office. — Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026