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

Maddox, who was released, is seeking $250,000 for assault, false arrest, negligence, defamation, and false imprisonment. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

But other fires have been attributed to arsonists or criminal negligence. — Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Afram’s lawsuit argues that Netflix’s negligence has jeopardized the film’s exclusivity, thus harming its market value. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2026

Arizona police alleged parents were negligent, inattentive The county attorney's office's decision comes after police reports showed authorities pursued charges against the parents on suspicion of negligence and inattentiveness in the incident. — Jose R. Gonzalez, USA Today, 30 July 2026