negligent

/ˈnɛɡ.lɪ.dʒənt/adjective

Failing to take proper care or give enough attention to something.

Example sentences

“The landlord was found negligent for not fixing the broken stairs.”
“The hospital was sued after a negligent nurse gave a patient the wrong medicine.”

The legal word for carelessness you can be sued over. Not the same as 'negligible', which means small enough to ignore.

Featured as word of the day on September 15, 2026.

Synonyms for negligent

careless
neglectful
irresponsible
lax
remiss

Antonyms

Often confused with negligent

negligent vs negligible

Find it in: Words to describe a person.

Related words

assiduousShowing steady, careful effort; diligent and persistent in one's work.vigilantStaying alert and watchful for any danger or trouble.naiveToo trusting and inexperienced, with little understanding of how the world really works.moroseGloomy and bad-tempered, saying little and looking unhappy.obdurateRefusing to change your behaviour or admit you are wrong, no matter what anyone says.miserlyUnwilling to spend money; holding on to it too tightly, like a miser.