Neglecting: meaning, definitions and examples

Neglecting typically means failing to take care of something or someone, often due to inattention or laziness. It implies a continuous or repeated failure over time. This term can have negative connotations.

• She was neglecting her garden, and now the plants are almost dead.
• Neglecting your health can lead to serious consequences.

Ignore means deliberately not paying attention to something or someone. It is often used in situations where one chooses to avoid or dismiss something. This term can have a negative connotation, depending on the context.

• She decided to ignore his rude comments.
• The company ignored the complaints from its customers.

Disregard is used when someone intentionally pays no attention to something or someone. This term often has a negative connotation and implies a deliberate decision to ignore.

• His disregard for the rules got him into trouble.
• The warning signs were disregarded, leading to the accident.

Forget means failing to remember something or someone. It is usually not intentional and can happen occasionally or frequently. This term does not necessarily have a negative connotation, depending on the situation.

• I often forget where I put my keys.
• Don't forget to bring your homework tomorrow.

Used when describing the act of not giving enough care or attention to someone or something over a period of time. It implies ongoing action.

• She is neglecting her studies because of her new job.
• He has been neglecting his health lately.

Used to describe a lack of proper care or attention, often leading to harm or deterioration. It can apply to actions in both past and present with negative consequences.

• The garden was in a state of neglect.
• He felt neglected by his friends.

Used when missing or failing to notice something unintentionally. This word is often used in less severe contexts than 'neglect' or 'disregard.'

• She overlooked a typo in the report.
• He apologized for overlooking her contribution.

Used when emphasizing intentional ignoring or paying no attention to someone or something. This word has a more negative connotation as it suggests a deliberate choice.

• His disregard for safety protocols led to an accident.
• She showed a complete disregard for the rules.

Use when someone is failing to give proper attention or care to something, often implying a duty or responsibility.

• She was neglecting her studies, and her grades were slipping.
• He was accused of neglecting his parental responsibilities.

Use when someone intentionally ignores or pays no attention to something, often rules, regulations, or important facts.

• His disregard for safety standards put everyone at risk.
• They showed a total disregard for the law.

Use to describe a lack of knowledge or awareness about something. Can sometimes have a negative connotation implying willful lack of understanding.

• His ignorance of modern technology is surprising.
• The policy failed due to the public's ignorance of its benefits.

Use to describe a lack of attention or thought, often leading to mistakes or accidents.

• His carelessness caused the accident.
• You can't afford to show carelessness in your work.