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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of neglectful

While Gensler’s assessment has merit, the idea that crypto is merely a speculative playground with no fundamental value is neglectful and outdated. —Edan Yago, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Buy Now 12 of 15 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl Precocious bookworms everywhere found a kindred spirit in Matilda, a little girl with neglectful parents and a loving teacher who takes on a terrorizing headmistress with her special powers. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024

Keepers of the Wild, Valentine This wildlife refuge along Historic Route 66 northeast of Kingman is home to hundreds of animals rescued from neglectful and abusive situations. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025

So many negative family cycles—such as unhealthy communication or neglectful parenting patterns—are fueled by unresolved pain or frustration over past events. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024