Synonyms of neglectful

neglectful

adjective

ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention

he's certainly not a neglectful father as he takes very good care of his children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• careless
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• derelict
• reckless
• remiss
• lax
• slack
• oblivious
• disregardful
• irresponsible
• forgetful
• heedless
• inattentive
• thoughtless
• delinquent
• unmindful
• uninterested
• disinterested
• indifferent
• unthinking
• apathetic
• incautious
• unconcerned
• unwary
• unguarded
• wild
• unheeding
• disregarding
• loose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• conscientious
• attentive
• meticulous
• cautious
• responsible
• punctilious
• nonnegligent
• regarding
• circumspect
• painstaking
• watchful
• vigilant
• wary
• mindful
• guarded
• chary
• observant
• alert
• thinking
• provident
• thoughtful
• interested
• concerned
• heedful
• regardful
• gingerly
• foresighted
• heeding
• forethoughtful

Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglectful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of neglectful are lax, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When can lax be used instead of neglectful?

The meanings of lax and neglectful largely overlap; however, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When might negligent be a better fit than neglectful?

While the synonyms negligent and neglectful are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

Where would remiss be a reasonable alternative to neglectful?

The words remiss and neglectful can be used in similar contexts, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When is it sensible to use slack instead of neglectful?

The words slack and neglectful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Examples of neglectful in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Best of Parenting Our kids have too much stuff Advice How (and why) to stop yelling at your kids Perspective The biggest fear of a parent in poverty: Being seen as neglectful Advice My teen son is having a hard time making friends. —Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post, 24 July 2024

Most narcissists come from two types of upbringings: one where their parents were neglectful and possibly abusive and one where they were spoiled. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 24 July 2024

The pain of a neglectful father who appeared sparingly during his youth, then disappeared for 15 years until resurfacing during Hootie success to ask for money to buy a car. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024

Many Nigerians said the subsidy was the only useful contribution from a neglectful and predatory government. —Ismail Auwal Taiwo Aina, New York Times, 11 June 2024