Negligent
Failing to give proper care or attention; characterized by carelessness in performing duties.
adjectiveNegligent
Failing to give proper care or attention; characterized by carelessness in performing duties.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a project manager who repeatedly ignores safety checks and maintenance, and a crucial deadline is missed because no one notices the growing risks.
Sounds Like
neh-GLIH-juhnt
Looks Like
negligible (similar spelling; not the same meaning)
Remember This
Negligent comes from Latin neglegens, meaning 'not paying attention'; it is commonly used in legal and safety contexts. Do not confuse with negligible, which means insignificant.
Other Forms
Connect With
careless, remiss, inattentive, lax; contrast with diligent, conscientious
Note
Use with 'in' or 'toward' (negligent with regard to/about). Common error: confusing 'negligent' with 'negligible' and with the noun/verb forms related to neglect. The noun form is negligence; the adverb form is negligently.