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

Because a trial court judge never ruled that the DOC was negligent, the bill never got a hearing in either chamber of the Legislature or by a special master, the first step for claims bills. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026

Facing the jury, Srebnick repeated that the crash was a tragedy — and was not caused by reckless or culpably negligent behavior. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026

The judge, who is presiding at the trial in the 296th District Court in Collin County, denied a defense request for the jury to be permitted to consider criminally negligent homicide, but jurors were instructed to consider manslaughter, a reckless killing. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026

On Monday, Alexander, 49, pleaded guilty in Washington County District Court to criminal vehicular homicide for operating in a grossly negligent manner. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 9 June 2026