Definition of neglectfulnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglectful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of neglectful are lax, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When can lax be used instead of neglectful?

The meanings of lax and neglectful largely overlap; however, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When might negligent be a better fit than neglectful?

While the synonyms negligent and neglectful are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

Where would remiss be a reasonable alternative to neglectful?

The words remiss and neglectful can be used in similar contexts, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When is it sensible to use slack instead of neglectful?

The words slack and neglectful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of neglectful Above a certain socioeconomic threshold, not spending an extra $1,000 a year or more in the hopes of doing so could seem neglectful. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 The film condemns her horrific client experiences, including one in which she was raped, as well as the neglectful strip club manager who blamed her for not calling for help. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Sid lives in the town of Matakana with her single, sometimes-neglectful alcoholic father Leo (Noah Taylor), who wanted to be a painter but now mows the lawns of rich neighbors and visiting Auckland rich boys occupying the beachfront mansions nearby in Omaha. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026 Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neglectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglectful
Adjective
  • The Most The business owners who get burned in an exit are almost never careless.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • And just like Alito, some members of my family have forgotten our history and support Trump or favor some of his immigration policies, dismissing new arrivals as criminals or lazy.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Today, the park operates more than 40 family-friendly water attractions including thrilling slides, casual pools and a lazy river.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Patricia Avila filed her civil suit against Brown in Los Angeles County Superior Court five years ago, suing the singer for premises liability, negligent infliction of emotional distress and strict liability.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Tumpa, her nephew, and Oro Recovery were also all accused of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Markwayne Mullin, the secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, alleged that the Biden administration was derelict in its duty by failing to vet the sponsors of the children and to conduct wellness checks to ensure their safety.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Once the colony grew, the birds roosted in a derelict military barracks nearby, later returning to the pine forest when the facility was renovated.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Neglectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglectful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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