Negligent | Definition of negligent by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of NEGLIGENT

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

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Origin of NEGLIGENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin neglegent-, neglegens, present participle of neglegere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to NEGLIGENT

Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack

Antonyms: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent

Synonym Discussion of NEGLIGENT

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>.