Negligent: meaning, definitions and examples

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negligent

 

[ ˈnɛɡlɪdʒənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal term

failing to take proper care over something important

Synonyms

careless, heedless, inattentive, remiss

Examples of usage

  • He was negligent in his duties as a caretaker.
  • The company was found negligent in their handling of customer data.
  • She was accused of being negligent in her responsibilities.
Context #2 | Adjective

everyday usage

failing to give proper attention or care

Synonyms

careless, irresponsible, neglectful, slapdash

Examples of usage

  • He was negligent in maintaining his car, which led to a breakdown.
  • The negligent driver caused a serious accident on the highway.
  • Her negligent attitude towards her studies resulted in poor grades.

Translations

Translations of the word "negligent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 negligente

🇮🇳 लापरवाह

🇩🇪 nachlässig

🇮🇩 ceroboh

🇺🇦 недбалий

🇵🇱 niedbały

🇯🇵 怠慢な (たいまんな)

🇫🇷 négligent

🇪🇸 negligente

🇹🇷 ihmalkar

🇰🇷 태만한

🇸🇦 مهمل

🇨🇿 nedbalý

🇸🇰 nedbalý

🇨🇳 疏忽的

🇸🇮 malomaren

🇮🇸 hirðulaus

🇰🇿 немқұрайлы

🇬🇪 უყურადღებო

🇦🇿 laqeyd

🇲🇽 negligente

Etymology

The word 'negligent' comes from the Latin word 'negligentem' which means 'careless, heedless'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe someone who fails to take proper care or attention. In legal contexts, 'negligent' is a term used to describe a breach of duty that results in harm or damage.

See also: neglect, neglected, neglectful, neglecting, negligence, negligible.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,054 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.