remiss

adjective

re·​miss ri-ˈmis 

1

: negligent in the performance of work or duty : careless

2

: showing neglect or inattention : lax

remissly adverb

remissness noun

Synonyms of remiss

• neglectful
• neglecting
• careless
• lazy
• negligent

Choose the Right Synonym for remiss

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 remiss in a Sentence

It would be remiss of me if I did not share with you the vital role God has played in my recovery. —Jennifer Howard, Undoing Time, 2001

But if we do not address these complexities in the public arena, and in ways that are spatially theoretically grounded, we will be remiss in carrying out our scholarly and civic responsibilities. —Saul B. Cohen, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, December 1991

"Well, Sally, I'm in fault, and I acknowledge it; I've been remiss; but I won't let tomorrow go by without stopping up them holes." —Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885

I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift.

Recent Examples on the Web

But one exploring the historical sites and beauty of the United States would be remiss to fly over the significance of Middle America. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Anyone eager to escape to Europe for the warmer months—and especially those who love to travel by boat—would be remiss not to take a peek at the exceptional itineraries on offer from Celestyal Cruises. —Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Red, white and blue Blue jeans are one of the few garments closely tied to American heritage, and denim brands would be remiss to miss the opportunity to capitalize on their connection to Americana. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Those drawn to a pop (or more!) of pattern would be remiss not to check out this floral percale comforter and Euro shams inspired by Indian art. —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remisse, borrowed from Latin remissus "relaxed, free from constraint, casual, lenient," from past participle of remittere "to send back, release, relax, ease off" — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for remiss

• abyss
• amiss
• chlamys
• dismiss
• premiss
• bis
• bliss
• criss
• dis
• diss
• hiss
• kiss

Kids Definition

remiss

adjective

re·​miss ri-ˈmis 

1

: careless in the performance of work or duty

remiss in paying one's bills

2

: showing neglect or lack of attention

service at the restaurant was remiss

remissly adverb

remissness noun