First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
negligent
adjective neg·li·gent \-jənt\
: failing to take proper or normal care of something or someone
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
See negligent defined for English-language learners
See negligent defined for kids
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Origin of NEGLIGENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin neglegent-, neglegens, present participle of neglegere
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>.
Other Legal Terms
NEGLIGENTLY Defined for Kids
negligent
adjective neg·li·gent \ˈne-glə-jənt\
Definition of NEGLIGENT for Kids
: failing to take proper or normal care of something or someone
— neg·li·gent·ly adverb
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