adj.
Pronunciation: -j ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin neglegent-, neglegens, present participle of neglegere
Date: 14th century
1 a : marked by or given to neglect especially habitually or culpably b : failing to exercise the care expected of a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances
2 : marked by a carelessly easy manner
– neg · li · gent · ly adverb
synonyms 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>. REMISS implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect <had been remiss in their familial duties>.