[neg.li.gent] adj [ME, fr. MF & L; MF, fr. L neglegent-, neglegens, prp. of neglegere] (14c) 1: marked by or given to neglect esp. habitually or culpably: not taking prudent care
2: marked by a carelessly easy manner -- neg.li.gent.ly adv syn negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness. negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business "negligent about writing a note of thanks". neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention "a society callously neglectful of the poor". lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision "a reporter lax about accurate quotation". slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care "slack workmanship and slipshod construction". remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect "had been remiss in her familial duties".