neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless, heedless

neglectfully

ni-ˈglek(t)-fə-lē 

adverb

neglectfulness noun

Synonyms of neglectful

• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• derelict

Choose the Right Synonym for neglectful

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness.

negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

Examples of neglectful in a Sentence

he's certainly not a neglectful father as he takes very good care of his children

Recent Examples on the Web

Sid lives in the town of Matakana with her single, sometimes-neglectful alcoholic father Leo (Noah Taylor), who wanted to be a painter but now mows the lawns of rich neighbors and visiting Auckland rich boys occupying the beachfront mansions nearby in Omaha. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026

Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026

Sam, meanwhile, feels that his dad is both overbearing and neglectful of his music dreams, and tensions run high between them. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

When a property falls into disrepair — whether through abandonment, a neglectful landlord, or the owner can't keep up — neighbors start to worry about the impact on their community. —Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

neglect entry 2 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neglectful

• respectful
• disrespectful

Kids Definition

neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless

neglectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb