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

In the song, Swift apologizes to an ex for neglecting his feelings, comparing the bliss of a rebound relationship to the excitement of drug users post-withdrawal in recovery, where the term in the title originates. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

And researchers in Europe have shown that neglecting physical risk can lead investors to underestimate potential asset losses by 70% or more. — Henry Fernandez, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Founded in 1902, the magazine was primarily devoted to art historical essays and reports on old master acquisitions, while dutifully neglecting new developments in its hometown of New York City. — Jarrett Earnest, The New York Review of Books, 19 Sep. 2026

Because client needs can fluctuate, shift your team’s focus toward the highest-value opportunities without neglecting either side. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

On May 5, Smith was charged with neglecting a child, domestic battery with the use of a dangerous weapon, pointing a firearm at someone during a domestic dispute along with another individual, and disorderedly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier. — Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026

After neglecting naval shipbuilding for a generation, the Pentagon and Congress are spending unprecedented sums to jumpstart submarine construction. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

Milei, a right-wing libertarian who has applied shock therapy to Argentina’s economy since taking office in late 2023, has come under increasing pressure from the opposition, which has accused him of neglecting Argentina’s sovereignty claim. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Or if leadership got seduced by silhouette, movement and atmosphere, neglecting to marry the galleries to the overall concept. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026