neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless, heedless

neglectfully

ni-ˈglek(t)-fə-lē 

adverb

neglectfulness noun

Synonyms

• careless
• derelict
• disregardful
• lax
• lazy
• neglecting
• negligent
• remiss
• slack

Choose the Right Synonym for neglectful

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

Examples of neglectful in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The play revolves around two modern-day brothers, Booth and Lincoln, whose fate may be determined by the names their profoundly neglectful parents saddled them with as a joke — a joke with an archetypal punchline. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025

In fact, research shows that when a partner is perceived and controlling and neglectful, it is associated with lower relationship satisfaction. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

The Kentucky Humane Society is actively caring for 35 horses at Willow Hope Farm after rescuing 10 in emaciated and neglectful conditions in Franklin County Wednesday morning. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Dec. 2024

Two pit bulls were rescued from their allegedly neglectful owner and her uninhabitable home on Wednesday, Feb. 19, according to a Sunday, Feb. 23 Suffolk County SPCA news release. —Charna Flam, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neglect entry 2 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neglectful

• respectful
• disrespectful

Kids Definition

neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless

neglectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb