First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
remiss
adjective re·miss \ri-ˈmis\
: not showing enough care and attention
Full Definition of REMISS
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Examples of REMISS
- It would be remiss of me if I did not share with you the vital role God has played in my recovery. —Jennifer Howard, Undoing Time, 2001
- But if we do not address these complexities in the public arena, and in ways that are spatially theoretically grounded, we will be remiss in carrying out our scholarly and civic responsibilities. —Saul B. Cohen, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, December 1991
- “Well, Sally, I'm in fault, and I acknowledge it; I've been remiss; but I won't let tomorrow go by without stopping up them holes.” —Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885
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Origin of REMISS
Middle English, from Anglo-French remis, Latin remissus, from past participle of remittere to send back, relax
Related to REMISS
- Synonyms
- careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, slack
- Antonyms
- attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
Synonym Discussion of REMISS
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>.
REMISS Defined for Kids
remiss
adjective re·miss \ri-ˈmis\
Definition of REMISS for Kids
: careless in the performance of work or duty <I was remiss in paying my bills.>
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