noun
negligence
NEHG-lihd-zhuhns
noun
1
A failure to take proper care, especially when it causes harm.
"The fire was caused by negligence, not deliberate sabotage."
2
In law, a failure to meet the standard of care a reasonable person would show, resulting in injury or damage.
"The hospital was sued for medical negligence."
"The court found the company liable for negligence after the equipment failed."
How to Use Negligence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCarelessness — especially the kind that causes damage or injury and can lead to a lawsuit.
Common pairings
gross negligence
medical negligence
sue for negligence
Word Forms
negligences plural
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The fire was caused by _____, not deliberate sabotage.
Etymology
From Latin neglegentia, "carelessness," related to neglegere, "to disregard."