Synonyms of negligence

negligence

noun

ˈne-gli-jən(t)s 

1

as in neglectfulness

failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes

exhibiting his usual negligence, he failed to set the emergency brake, and the car rolled down the steep hill and crashed into the telephone pole

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglectfulness
• carelessness
• neglect
• omission
• laxness
• recklessness
• heedlessness
• remissness
• slackness
• dereliction
• malpractice
• misconduct
• malfeasance
• irresponsibility
• foolhardiness
• incaution
• incautiousness
• mismanagement
• rashness
• wildness
• inattention
• forgetfulness
• inadvertence
• mishandling
• delinquency
• inattentiveness
• inadvertency
• misdirection
• shortsightedness
• obliviousness
• irresponsibleness
• unwariness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• care
• caution
• awareness
• carefulness
• attention
• attentiveness
• alertness
• cautiousness
• responsibility
• vigilance
• watchfulness
• observance
• circumspection
• heedfulness
• responsibleness

2

as in neglect

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action

the factory's owners are being charged with criminal negligence for the fire that killed a dozen workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglect
• failure
• oversight
• default
• nonfeasance
• delinquency
• carelessness
• dereliction
• inadvertence
• misprision
• laxity
• inadvertency
• heedlessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• compliance
• fulfillment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of negligence

Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Police are investigating whether negligence during ongoing construction work caused the collapse that left another eight children injured and hospitalized in stable condition. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

The lawsuit accused Lemonade of negligence and violations of multiple consumer privacy laws, including the Driver Privacy Protection Act. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026

The Bellos family, through their Kansas City attorney Tom Porto, filed a lawsuit in late June alleging assault, medical negligence and Sunshine Law violations. — Laura Bauer july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026