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

Whatever the reason, an emotionally neglectful parent harms a child’s development. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

There was the body natural, which was often neglectful, arrogant, shy, and, when drunk, impossible to deal with, and then there was the body television, which was charming, graceful, comforting, beloved. —Isaac Butler, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2024

The film presents multiple healthy and unhealthy types of parenthood — neglectful parents, tragic parents, absent parents, robot parents, single parents, military dads, bicoastal parents, dead parents, surrogate parents, grandparents, and the list goes on. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 14 June 2024

Characteristics Children growing up in neglectful families may not have access to medical care, appropriate education, food, and other necessities. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

neglect entry 2 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

neglectful

adjective

ne·​glect·​ful ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl 

: given to neglecting : careless

neglectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb