Synonyms of negligent

negligent

adjective

ˈne-gli-jənt 

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention

the youngster has been woefully negligent in taking care of the vacationing neighbor's dog, repeatedly forgetting to feed the poor animal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word negligent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax, neglectful, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use lax instead of negligent?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Where would neglectful be a reasonable alternative to negligent?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can remiss take the place of negligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of negligent?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of negligent

The officials argued that the facility was negligent in caring for the animals and that the crocodiles therefore posed a public safety risk that justified the violent measures. — Irus Braverman, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026

The lawsuit claims Wendy's was negligent, sold an unsafe food product and failed to meet its legal obligation to serve food that was safe to eat. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

One day later, a jury in Los Angeles determined Meta was negligent and failed to warn users of the mental health dangers associated with using its platforms. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

The jury determined that Meta and YouTube were negligent in the design or operation of their respective platforms, and that the negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026