Neglect: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone fails to take care of someone or something properly, often over a long period. It has a negative connotation.

• She neglected her garden for months, and now all the plants are dead
• He was accused of neglecting his duties as a parent

Used when someone intentionally does not notice someone or something. Often used in day-to-day contexts and can be both casual or serious.

• She decided to ignore his rude comments
• I tried to ignore the noise while studying

Used when someone pays no attention to something or someone, often deliberately. It can be used in both casual and serious contexts.

• He showed a blatant disregard for the rules
• The company disregarded the complaints of the customers

Used when someone accidentally fails to notice something. It implies a mistake or an unintentional omission.

• He overlooked a critical error in the report
• I hope the teacher will overlook my late submission

Used when someone does not take care of someone or something properly, often leading to negative consequences. It is often used in serious contexts, such as child or pet care.

• She was accused of neglecting her children.
• The garden looked overgrown and neglected.

Used when something is left out or not included, either intentionally or unintentionally. This word is often used in formal or technical contexts.

• The report omitted important details about the incident.
• Please don't omit any relevant information from your application.

Used in a similar manner to 'fail to do,' but it often implies either unintentional forgetting or a somewhat willful disregard. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

• They neglected to inform us about the meeting change.
• He neglected to pay his bills on time.

Used when someone does not accomplish a specific task or duty. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from formal to casual settings.

• He failed to submit the report on time.
• She failed to lock the door before leaving.

Used when referring to the failure to give proper care or attention to someone or something, often over a prolonged period. It can describe both actions and states.

• The child suffered from severe neglect due to his parents' indifference.
• Neglecting your plants can cause them to wilt and die.

Used to denote intentionally ignoring or showing a lack of consideration for something, stressing a more active or deliberate action.

• His blatant disregard for safety regulations put everyone at risk.
• There was a total disregard for the team's suggestions during the meeting.

Used in more formal or legal contexts to describe a failure to take proper care in doing something, often resulting in damage or injury. It highlights carelessness or lack of attention.

• The doctor was sued for negligence after the incorrect diagnosis.
• The accident was caused by the company’s negligence in maintaining the machinery.

Best used when talking about leaving a person, place, or thing completely and often suddenly, implying a sense of desertion or forsakenness.

• The cruel abandonment of the dog left it wandering the streets alone.
• After years of abandonment, the old house was in ruins.