adj C1 Advanced Uncommon

negligent

NEHG-lih-juhnt

Negligent (adj) means Careless or failing to give proper attention, especially to duties or responsibilities. Example: “The inspector called the wiring negligent and unsafe.”

adj

Careless or failing to give proper attention, especially to duties or responsibilities.

"The inspector called the wiring negligent and unsafe."

"Leaving the gate open was a negligent mistake given the dog's history."

How to use negligent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCareless in a way that's blameworthy, often used in legal contexts.

Easily confused with

negative →

Common pairings

negligent behaviour grossly negligent

Word forms

more negligent comparative, most negligent superlative

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The inspector called the wiring _____ and unsafe.

Etymology

From Middle English necligent, negligent, from Old French negligent, from Latin negligēns.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for negligent

indigent diligent intelligent

See all rhymes for negligent →

Frequently asked questions

What does “negligent” mean?

The word “negligent” means careless or failing to give proper attention, especially to duties or responsibilities. In plain terms, careless in a way that's blameworthy, often used in legal contexts.

How do you pronounce “negligent”?

“Negligent” is pronounced NEHG-lih-juhnt (/ˈnɛɡ.lɪ.d͡ʒənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “negligent” in a sentence?

Here is “negligent” used in a sentence: “The inspector called the wiring negligent and unsafe.”

What part of speech is “negligent”?

“Negligent” is an adjective.

Is “negligent” a common word?

“Negligent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.