Neglected: meaning, definitions and examples

Talking about something or someone that has not received proper attention or care over a period.

• The garden looked neglected and overgrown
• The neglected child felt lonely and sad

Used when someone deliberately pays no attention to someone or something, usually less strong than 'disregard'.

• I tried to ignore the noise outside
• He ignored her messages for days

Referring to intentionally ignoring rules, advice, opinions, or people, often showing a lack of respect.

• He showed a disregard for the safety instructions
• She disregarded his warnings and went ahead with the plan

Describing a situation where someone misses or fails to notice something, not necessarily intentional or negative.

• She overlooked a small error in the report
• It's easy to overlook important details when you're in a hurry

Indicating the act of giving up or leaving something or someone entirely, often in a way that is harsh or abrupt.

• They had to abandon the car on the side of the road
• She felt abandoned when her friends moved away

Use 'neglected' when something or someone is ignored or not given the necessary attention or care. It often has a negative connotation.

• He neglected his duties at work, which led to serious problems.
• The garden was neglected for years and became overgrown with weeds.

Use 'omit' when talking about leaving something out, whether intentionally or accidentally. It often implies a slight oversight.

• He omitted some important details in his report.
• The dessert menu omitted the option for a vegan dish.

Use 'forget' when someone fails to remember something. It doesn't necessarily carry a strong negative connotation.

• I forgot to bring my homework to school.
• Don't forget to pick up groceries on your way home.

Use 'skip' when someone chooses not to do something intentionally, often because they don't want to or don't see it as necessary.

• She skipped breakfast this morning.
• I'm going to skip the meeting this afternoon.

Use 'miss' when someone fails to attend an event or notice something. It can also mean to feel the absence of someone or something.

• I missed the bus this morning.
• She misses her family now that she lives in another city.

Use this word when something or someone has not been given enough care or attention over time. This word usually implies neglect but not necessarily complete abandonment.

• The garden was neglected and overgrown with weeds
• The child's neglected health worried the doctors

This word is appropriate when describing something or someone that has been completely left behind or deserted permanently. It often conveys a sense of finality and sometimes sadness.

• The abandoned building stood empty for years
• The dog was found abandoned by the side of the road

This phrase describes something in poor condition because of lack of maintenance, often implying decline due to time and use. It can refer to buildings, neighborhoods, or even people.

• The run-down house needs a lot of repairs
• She felt run-down after working too many hours

Use this word when something looks worn out or in poor condition from use or lack of care. It often carries a sense of being unkempt or dirty, but doesn’t necessarily imply complete abandonment.

• She wore a shabby coat that needed mending
• The hotel room was shabby and disappointing

This term is used for something in a very poor condition due to disuse and neglect. It often refers to buildings or places and carries a stronger sense of decay than 'neglected'. It has a slightly formal tone.

• The derelict ship was a haunting sight off the coast
• The derelict warehouse will be torn down soon