gross negligence

American  

[grohs neg-li-juhns] / ˈgroʊs ˈnɛg lɪ dʒəns /

noun

Law.

1. in general, an act or practice of negligence that demonstrates a willful and reckless disregard for others’ safety and an indifference to their rights, such as speeding through a busy parking lot: interpreted differently in different jurisdictions.

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Etymology

Origin of gross negligence

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

States are also required to check a federal blacklist of providers that committed crimes, gross negligence, fraud or patient abuse, as well as visit providers deemed a high fraud risk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

The lawsuits they have filed, accusing the Eastlands of gross negligence, are but one of the obstacles as the family pushes ahead with plans to reopen on May 30.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

According to Boylan’s federal appeals team, the term “misconduct” permitted the jury to convict him of something less than gross negligence, contrary to the required standard.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Two men, aged 33 and 42, who were earlier arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, have since been released on conditional bail.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

The lower court decided that all the directors were guilty of gross negligence, on appeal the reviewing court decided that the president only was guilty of fraud and acquitted the others.

From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Bolles, Albert Sidney