Synonyms of negligence

negligence

noun

ˈne-gli-jən(t)s 

1

as in neglectfulness

failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes

exhibiting his usual negligence, he failed to set the emergency brake, and the car rolled down the steep hill and crashed into the telephone pole

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglectfulness
• carelessness
• neglect
• omission
• laxness
• recklessness
• heedlessness
• remissness
• slackness
• dereliction
• malpractice
• misconduct
• malfeasance
• irresponsibility
• foolhardiness
• incaution
• incautiousness
• mismanagement
• rashness
• wildness
• inattention
• forgetfulness
• inadvertence
• mishandling
• delinquency
• inattentiveness
• inadvertency
• misdirection
• shortsightedness
• obliviousness
• irresponsibleness
• unwariness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• care
• caution
• awareness
• carefulness
• attention
• attentiveness
• alertness
• cautiousness
• responsibility
• vigilance
• watchfulness
• observance
• circumspection
• heedfulness
• responsibleness

2

as in neglect

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action

the factory's owners are being charged with criminal negligence for the fire that killed a dozen workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• neglect
• failure
• oversight
• default
• nonfeasance
• delinquency
• carelessness
• dereliction
• inadvertence
• misprision
• laxity
• inadvertency
• heedlessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• compliance
• fulfillment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of negligence

The suit accuses the Chi Phi Chapter, Chi Phi National, the Alpha Beta Chapter, Tri-Delta National and Moonies Bar & Nightclub of negligence. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026

Many commenters criticize the owner for negligence, particularly for leaving the animals unattended with inadequate fencing. — Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026

The suit accuses Publix of wrongful death, alleging breach of warranty and negligence. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

His widow, Yaraisi Santiso Morejon, who also represents Rodriguez’s estate in the lawsuit, alleges that negligence contributed to her husband’s death and that the incident was avoidable. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026