Neglectful: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when someone is habitually failing to care or give proper attention to something or someone, often causing harm or significant problems.

• The neglectful parent forgot to pick up their child from school.
• The garden became overgrown due to the neglectful gardener.

Used when someone is not paying enough attention or showing enough thought, often resulting in a mistake or accident. This term can imply negligence but usually to a lesser degree than 'neglectful'.

• He made a careless mistake on his homework.
• The careless driver nearly caused an accident.

This word is appropriate when someone is not paying attention or showing a reckless lack of care, often ignoring warnings or advice.

• She was heedless of the slippery conditions and fell down the stairs.
• He continued to speak heedless of the fact that nobody was listening.

Use this word to describe someone who is not paying attention in a specific situation, often leading to missed information or errors.

• The inattentive student missed the important part of the lecture.
• He was inattentive during the meeting and didn't notice the boss's instructions.

Best used when someone is not fulfilling their duties or responsibilities, often with a disregard for the consequences.

• Leaving the stove on was an irresponsible act.
• His irresponsible behavior led to losing his job.

Used when someone consistently fails to care for or give importance to something or someone they are responsible for. Often used in contexts involving duties and obligations.

• 'The neglectful parent failed to provide adequate food and shelter for their child
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Used when someone is not paying enough attention and makes mistakes or takes unnecessary risks. It implies a lack of caution.

• 'He made a careless mistake in his calculations
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Describes someone who is not paying attention in the moment. Often used in contexts where focus is expected.

• 'The teacher noticed the inattentive student staring out the window
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Used when someone shows a lack of concern or interest, often implying apathy or a neutral stance.

• 'She was indifferent to the outcome of the meeting, as it didn't affect her
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Describes a more serious and often legal failing to take proper care in doing something. It implies a higher level of responsibility and potential harm.

• 'The company was found negligent in providing safety equipment to its workers
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