Negligent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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negligent

[ˈnɛɡlɪdʒənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

legal term

failing to take proper care over something important

Synonyms

careless, heedless, inattentive, remiss.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
negligent	When someone fails to give the necessary care or attention to something, especially when it leads to a problem. It often has a legal or formal tone. The doctor was found negligent for leaving the surgical instruments inside the patient. The company was negligent in maintaining safety standards.
careless	When someone acts without sufficient thought or attention, typically resulting in mistakes or accidents. It is commonly used in everyday speech. She made a careless mistake on her test. He was careless with his phone and dropped it in the water.
heedless	When someone is showing a reckless disregard or lack of attention, often ignoring warnings or advice. It has a formal and somewhat literary tone. He rushed out, heedless of the danger ahead. She spent money heedless of the mounting debt.
remiss	When someone neglects a duty or responsibility, often used in a reproachful or critical manner. It carries a formal tone. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank everyone who helped me. The employee was remiss in performing his duties.
inattentive	When someone is not paying attention, especially in a setting where attention is expected, like in class or at work. It has a neutral tone. The student was inattentive during the lecture. He was inattentive to the needs of his family.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
negligent	Describes a serious lack of care and attention. Often used in legal or formal settings. The doctor was found negligent in their duties, leading to a malpractice lawsuit. Negligent behavior in maintenance can result in severe safety issues.
careless	Suggests a lack of attention or thought, usually in everyday situations, and may cause minor or major problems. He was careless with his words, accidentally hurting his friend's feelings. A careless driver swerved into the wrong lane.
neglectful	Indicates a habitual failure to care or give attention, often related to duties or responsibilities. Negative connotation. The neglectful parent was reported to child services. Neglectful behavior from the caretaker resulted in the patient's decline.
irresponsible	Implies a failure to fulfill one's duties or obligations, often leading to negative consequences. This word has a negative connotation. Leaving your child at home alone is extremely irresponsible. She was fired for being irresponsible with company funds.
slapdash	Refers to performing a task hastily and carelessly, often producing poor results. Informal usage with a negative connotation. The report was done in a slapdash manner, full of errors and incomplete sections. His slapdash approach to cleaning left many spots untouched.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

In legal terms, negligence refers to failing to act with the care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation.
Negligent behavior can lead to lawsuits, particularly in cases like car accidents or medical malpractice.

Psychology

Studies show that people can often be negligent due to cognitive overload or distractions in their environment.
Feelings of complacency can lead to negligence, where individuals underestimate risks.

Pop Culture

Negligence is a common theme in movies and television, often leading to dramatic consequences for characters.
Popular sitcoms often show negligent parenting in humorous scenarios, highlighting the importance of responsibility.

Education

Educational settings stress the importance of being responsible and attentive, teaching children the consequences of negligence.
Teachers often emphasize that negligence in homework or class participation can affect grades and learning.

Origin of 'negligent'

Main points about word origin

The word has roots in Latin, derived from 'negligens,' which means 'not paying attention.'
It first appeared in English during the 15th century, highlighting a growing concern about responsibility.

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.

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.

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