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neglectful
/nɪˈɡlɛktfəl/
failing to care for
The neglectful parent left the children unfed for hours.
The parent failed to care for the children, leaving them hungry.
formal
not giving proper attention or care to someone or something
Her neglectful attitude toward her pets led to their poor health.
She didn’t care for her pets properly, resulting in their bad health.
The company was criticized for its neglectful handling of employee safety.
The company failed to properly address employee safety concerns.
Often used to describe a lack of responsibility or attention in personal, professional, or legal contexts.
Collocations
neglectful of dutiesfailing to perform required tasksneglectful parentinginadequate care for childrenneglectful behavioractions showing lack of care
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'negligent'
'Neglectful' emphasizes a lack of care or attention, while 'negligent' often implies a failure to meet a standard of duty, especially in legal or professional contexts.
Gold Rule
Use 'neglectful' for people or actions
Apply to individuals or their behavior when they fail to care for others or their responsibilities. Do not use for inanimate objects.
Word Origin
From the noun 'neglect' (late Middle English: from Latin neglegere 'disregard'), meaning 'to pay no attention to,' combined with the adjectival suffix '-ful' (Old English -ful, from full 'full of').
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal, psychological, or professional settings. Often implies a moral or ethical failure rather than mere forgetfulness.
Word Breakdown
neglect
lack of care or attention
root-ful
full of or characterized by
suffixEnglish Dictionary