Negligence: meaning, definitions and examples

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negligence

[ ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəns ]

^{Context #1}

legal term

Failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another person. Negligence can be due to inaction, carelessness, or lack of attention.

Synonyms

carelessness, dereliction, neglect

Examples of usage

The company was sued for negligence after a customer slipped and fell on a wet floor.
The nurse was accused of negligence for administering the wrong medication to a patient.

^{Context #2}

general term

Lack of proper care or attention; indifference to consequences. Negligence can also refer to the state of being neglectful or failing to fulfill one's obligations.

Synonyms

carelessness, indifference, neglect

Examples of usage

Her negligence in maintaining the car led to a breakdown on the highway.
The teacher's negligence in grading assignments caused confusion among students.

Translations

Translations of the word "negligence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 negligência

🇮🇳 लापरवाही

🇩🇪 Fahrlässigkeit

🇮🇩 kelalaian

🇺🇦 недбалість

🇵🇱 zaniedbanie

🇯🇵 過失 (かしつ)

🇫🇷 négligence

🇪🇸 negligencia

🇹🇷 ihmal

🇰🇷 태만

🇸🇦 إهمال

🇨🇿 nedbalost

🇸🇰 nedbanlivosť

🇨🇳 疏忽

🇸🇮 malomarnost

🇮🇸 vanræksla

🇰🇿 немқұрайлылық

🇬🇪 უყურადღებობა

🇦🇿 laqeydlik

🇲🇽 negligencia

Word origin

The word 'negligence' originated from the Latin word 'negligentia', which means 'carelessness' or 'heedlessness'. The concept of negligence has long been a central issue in legal systems, dating back to ancient Roman law. It is a fundamental principle in tort law, focusing on the duty of care that individuals owe to others to avoid causing harm through their actions or inactions.