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

Smith was convicted of one count each of second-degree murder, a grossly negligent act causing miscarriage/stillbirth, and fleeing police, causing serious bodily injury, as well as two counts of reckless driving, according to online court records. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 25 July 2025

One of the paramedics who handled McClain’s care was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and assault. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 11 July 2025

The driver of the truck was indicted on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. —American-Statesman Staff, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Surgeons often argue that complications are a risk of surgery and that a poor outcome doesn’t mean the doctor was negligent. —Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025