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criminal negligence

American

[krim-uh-nl neg-li-juhns] / ˈkrɪm ə nl ˈnɛg lɪ dʒəns /

noun

Law.

an act or practice of negligence in which a person, disregarding what is reasonable to insure the care, safety, and protection of others, such as by leaving a loaded gun within reach of a child, is criminally liable for any consequential harm or death.

Etymology

Origin of criminal negligence

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Tuesday, a new trial for criminal negligence will begin of the seven-strong medical team that was caring for Maradona in his final days, as he was recovering from brain surgery.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Marine Investigations Board Chair Jason Neubauer told NBC News on Monday the hearings aim to determine the extent of any criminal negligence or misconduct which may then be referred to the Justice Department.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2024

Legislatures have generally left the transformation of civil to criminal negligence vague.

From Slate • Aug. 20, 2024

The Lagos coroner recommended that TB Joshua be charged with criminal negligence.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2024

On Tuesday, July 18, the jury charged him, Fire Marshal Murphy, and two Hercules officers with criminal negligence and referred the charges to a grand jury.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023