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

But investors and operators would be remiss to paint the entire market with a single, broad stroke. —Sam Sidhu, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Flower lovers would be remiss not to stop at Wildseed Farms to pick up a pack of seeds for their home gardens, while the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center just outside of Austin is also a worthy stop. —Cynthia Drake, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, Dell would be remiss to remove that mini LED screen option. —Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025

But to believe that Verstappen can only succeed and operate within F1 is remiss of his interest in other disciplines. —Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024