Synonyms of remiss

remiss

adjective

ri-ˈmis 

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention

I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax, neglectful, negligent, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can lax be used instead of remiss?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When is it sensible to use neglectful instead of remiss?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

Where would negligent be a reasonable alternative to remiss?

While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is slack a more appropriate choice than remiss?

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. However, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of remiss

There are plenty of restaurants nearby, but guests would be remiss not to take advantage of the outdoor grill and slick open-plan kitchen with a gas hob, tea station, barnyard sink, and long marble counter lined with six black bar stools. —Mary Holland, Robb Report, 10 July 2025

But, at this point, Edelman believes that advisers who value diversification as a strategy in their clients’ portfolio — eg, across asset classes, sectors, etc. — would be remiss not to recommend adding at least a small amount of digital asset exposure. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025

However, Martinez of Earthjustice noted that NOx is the single-largest category of emissions under the South Coast AQMD’s authority, and said that the agency would be remiss not to take action on it. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025

Mas said that Messi was consulted during the coaching search, which lasted just a few days, and that team officials would be remiss not to seek the advice of arguably the greatest player of all time. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025