gross negligence

American

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

noun

Law.

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.

Etymology

Origin of gross negligence

First recorded in 1665–75

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.

Potential offences under consideration include corporate gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, health and safety breaches and misconduct in public office.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

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

He commenced this war with a firm trust in God and the most gross negligence.

From With the Guards' Brigade from Bloemfontein to Koomati Poort and Back by Lowry, Edward P.

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