remiss

[ ri-mis ]

adjective

1. negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc.:

   He's terribly remiss in his work.

   Synonyms: neglectful, slack, lax, thoughtless, derelict

2. characterized by negligence or carelessness.

   Synonyms: neglectful, slack, lax, thoughtless, derelict

3. lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish.

   Synonyms: slow, slothful, dilatory

remiss

/ rɪˈmɪs /

adjective

1. lacking in care or attention to duty; negligent
2. lacking in energy; dilatory

Derived Forms

• reˈmissly, adverb
• reˈmissness, noun

Other Words From

• re·missly adverb
• re·missness noun
• over·re·miss adjective
• over·re·missly adverb
• over·re·missness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of remiss¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin remissus, past participle of remittere “to send back, slacken, relax”; remit

Word History and Origins

Origin of remiss¹

C15: from Latin remissus from remittere to release, from re- + mittere to send

Synonym Study

See neglect.

Example Sentences

But I would be remiss if I didn't mention what gives me hope from this case.

From The Daily Beast

Ignoring as a nation things that are worthy of death is very remiss.

From The Daily Beast

I would be remiss not to mention David Wenham, who played Al.

From The Daily Beast

And I'd be remiss not to direct you a display of animal behavior in action.

From The Daily Beast

Porton: I would be remiss if I didn't ask you about your recent efforts to take Playboy private.

From The Daily Beast

Chopin's friends were not remiss in exerting themselves to procure him pupils and good fees at the same time.

From Project Gutenberg

But, however wise in discipline, Peveril and his followers were somewhat remiss in civil policy.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, as if recollecting he had been remiss, he assumed a benevolent interest in his companions' affairs.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not add Israel's obligations to His own, and discharge them too, when they were remiss concerning them.

From Project Gutenberg

"If I have been remiss, the pleasure of a stroll with Itlza must be my excuse," said he humbly.

From Project Gutenberg