Showing results for gross negligence. Search instead for Gross+Negligence.

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.

But a jury sided with the former teacher that Parker's lack of action was an act of gross negligence.

From BBC • May 21, 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

It was widened in March 2025 to include gross negligence manslaughter.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 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

Her gross negligence in allowing Sybil to be improperly exposed to such a risk weighed heavily on her mind.

From Democracy, an American novel by Adams, Henry

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