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

Kayla Stemler, 28, was accused in November of neglecting the child, then 14, who was found weighing 35 lbs. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

These groups contend the legislation rewards institutions neglecting Black voting representation and suggest boycotts to pressure Southern universities on redistricting. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Since voters returned Worrell to office in 2024, Uthmeier has repeatedly accused her of neglecting her duties as a prosecutor. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Not neglecting him, of course, but not over-relying on a player who will turn 37 in October. — Vahe Gregorian july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

The finding appears to be a setback to Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, which has typically focused on overhauling nutrition guidance while neglecting food safety and infectious diseases. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026

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