NEGLECTFUL Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

neglectful

adjective

ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl

Definition of neglectful next

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

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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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of neglectful Rapper Iggy Azalea, the mother of Carti’s son Onyx, has publicly accused him of being a neglectful father. —

Jayson Buford, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2024 These animals were pulled from captivity, where they were kept in neglectful conditions that prevented them from engaging in their natural hibernation behaviors. —

Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024 My upbringing was neglectful and physically abusive at times and my parents were awful with money. —

refinery29.com, 26 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for neglectful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglectful

Adjective

Their rounded faces, their piercings and makeup, their lateness and absences and profuse, careless apologies—their vulnerability was almost intolerable.

Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
Michigan fire statistics The leading cause of fire deaths in 2024 through early December are careless smoking (46%), followed by heating (16%) and explosion (16%), a report by Michigan Fire Inspectors Society said.

Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024