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 suit contends the gun sellers were negligent in selling firearms to straw purchasers, failed to properly vet buyers and made false certification on federal forms. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025

On Friday, Lively's attorneys filed a motion to withdraw and dismiss her claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress, saying the move would streamline the case and focus on other claims made against Baldoni. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 June 2025

Former Cedars-Sinai Medical Center obstetrician-gynecologist Barry J. Brock has surrendered his medical license following an accusation of negligent care from the state medical board. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

In his answer to the lawsuit, Walker contends that any liability for damages should be reduced or eliminated if it is revealed that Sevier failed to mitigate his damages and was negligent and/or comparatively at fault. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025