Synonyms of remiss

remiss

adjective

ri-ˈmis 

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglectful
• neglecting
• careless
• lazy
• negligent
• derelict
• lax
• slack
• reckless
• disregardful
• oblivious
• forgetful
• irresponsible
• heedless
• inattentive
• incautious
• unmindful
• delinquent
• thoughtless
• uninterested
• disinterested
• indifferent
• unguarded
• unconcerned
• unthinking
• disregarding
• apathetic
• unwary
• wild
• unheeding
• loose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• conscientious
• attentive
• punctilious
• meticulous
• circumspect
• regarding
• cautious
• chary
• nonnegligent
• painstaking
• mindful
• wary
• vigilant
• responsible
• watchful
• guarded
• observant
• thinking
• alert
• interested
• thoughtful
• provident
• concerned
• gingerly
• heedful
• heeding
• regardful
• foresighted
• forethoughtful

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remiss different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax, neglectful, negligent, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can lax be used instead of remiss?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When is it sensible to use neglectful instead of remiss?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

Where would negligent be a reasonable alternative to remiss?

While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is slack a more appropriate choice than remiss?

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. However, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of remiss

And, Democrats said, Harris would be remiss to not take advantage of any opening in a home stretch when any one issue could help get a voter off the sidelines. —Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024

See our Guide 08 of 09 Roanoke Named America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, a list of Virginia mountain towns would be remiss without including the bustling city of Roanoke. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

In this regard, we geologists have been mostly remiss. —The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024

This capability isn’t to be remiss in an industry that often leans into sterile marketing campaigns with all of the same faces. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Aug. 2024