negligent
Failing to take proper care in doing something; careless
Examples
In a meeting
“It would be negligent not to back up these files regularly.”
Over coffee
“I've been negligent about calling my parents lately.”
Why this word
careless
negligent implies culpable failure to exercise proper care or duty, often with legal implications, while careless is more casual and less serious
irresponsible
negligent specifically means failing in a duty of care owed, while irresponsible broadly means not taking accountability
lazy
negligent focuses on failure to fulfill obligations through lack of care, while lazy refers to unwillingness to exert effort
Usage tip
Has legal connotations; implies failure of duty or responsibility, not just forgetfulness
Etymology
Latin 'neglegere' meaning 'to disregard' (from 'neg-' not + 'legere' to gather, choose)
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Related words
handoff
The transfer of responsibility from one person to another
disclaim
To deny responsibility or connection with something
inherit
Receive responsibilities, problems, or assets from a predecessor
culpable
Deserving blame or held responsible for wrongdoing
fiduciary
Involving trust and confidence in managing affairs or assets for another
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.