neglect
To fail to give proper attention or care to something
Examples
In a meeting
“We've neglected our social media presence and need to rebuild engagement.”
Over coffee
“I've been neglecting my plants and now half of them are dying.”
Why this word
ignore
Neglect implies failing to provide necessary care or attention over time, while ignore means deliberately not noticing without the time dimension or care obligation
overlook
Neglect suggests ongoing failure to maintain or care for something, while overlook implies accidentally missing something once
forget
Neglect carries the weight of irresponsibility and harmful consequences, while forget is more innocent and doesn't imply ongoing dereliction of duty
Usage tip
Implies something deserves attention but isn't getting it, often with negative consequences
Etymology
Latin 'neglegere' from 'nec' (not) + 'legere' (to pick up, gather)
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