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Definition of negligent

negligent

/ˈnɛɡ.lɪ.dʒənt/
neg · li · gent
Adverb:negligently
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negligent Lexical Profile

negligent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Failing to take proper care in doing something, or resulting from a lack of due care and attention (especially in a legal context).

Example

"The court ruled that the landlord had been negligent in failing to repair the faulty electrical wiring."

2

Relaxed, casual, or unconcerned in manner or appearance.

Example

"He acknowledged the greeting with a negligent wave of his hand and continued reading."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for negligent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for negligent

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'negligent' (careless or failing to take proper care) with 'negligible' (so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering).

• Rhymes for negligent

• Nearby Words

neglectfully
negligee
negligence
negligent
negligently
negligible
negligibly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'negligent', from Latin 'negligentem', the present participle of 'negligere' (to disregard or slight), formed from 'nec' (not) and 'legere' (to pick up or choose).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Negligent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/negligent
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