negligence

[ neg-li-juhns ]

See synonyms for negligence on Thesaurus.com

noun

the quality, fact, or result of being negligent; neglect: negligence in discharging one's responsibilities.
an instance of being negligent: a downfall brought about by many negligences.

Law. the failure to exercise that degree of care that, in the circumstances, the law requires for the protection of other persons or those interests of other persons that may be injuriously affected by the want of such care.

adjective

Law. pertaining to or involving a civil action for compensation for damages filed by a person who claims to have suffered an injury or loss in an accident caused by another's negligence: a negligence suit;a large negligence award.

Origin of negligence

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, variant of necligence, from Latin necligentia; see negligent, -ence

synonym study For negligence

1. See neglect.

Other words from negligence

non·neg·li·gence, noun
o·ver·neg·li·gence, noun
pre·neg·li·gence, noun
su·per·neg·li·gence, noun

Words Nearby negligence

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use negligence in a sentence

A number of other lawsuits, including a negligence suit against the EPA, are still pending.
The Unfinished Business of Flint’s Water Crisis | by Anna Clark | January 22, 2021 | ProPublica
Certainly, reports of sloppiness and negligence have surfaced.
The Cleveland Browns were an NFL feel-good story. Then the coronavirus got jealous. | Jerry Brewer | January 6, 2021 | Washington Post
He is the author of the new book Science Fictions, which documents how fraud, bias, negligence, and hype are rife in science.
You Want to See My Data? I Thought We Were Friends! - Issue 94: Evolving | Stuart Ritchie & Zach Weinersmith | December 30, 2020 | Nautilus
That story led to state lawmakers passing a law cracking down on vaccine exemptions, and Zandvliet being put on probation by the Medical Board for gross negligence.
Morning Report: What’s Standing in the Defund Movement’s Way | Voice of San Diego | December 17, 2020 | Voice of San Diego
She was placed on professional probation by the Medical Board for gross negligence in a case involving vaccines and cannot write vaccine exemptions for three years.
Doctor at Center of Vaccine Scandal Accused of Overprescribing Opioids | Will Huntsberry | December 16, 2020 | Voice of San Diego

Sully decides to face the truth of what his negligence has sown.
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70 | Peter Richmond | October 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When it comes to the practice of democracy, Americans now have few illusions about our own incompetence, division, and negligence.
Is Democracy Doomed Abroad? | James Poulos | August 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
If convicted of negligence in this case, Lagarde could face a year in jail and a fine up to €15,000 ($20,000).
IMF Chief Lagarde Placed Under Formal Investigation in France | Tracy McNicoll | August 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The office should not be able to treat a matter of such importance with such negligence without any redress.
Parents Sue for 'Wrongful Birth' | Elizabeth Picciuto | August 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Yes, Klein was an actual victim of documented abuse, whereas the only crime against Victoria was familial negligence.
Colonel of Truth: The KFC Hoax and the Idiocy of Crowdfunding for Bullying Victims | Scott Bixby | June 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Having done this, the proof of negligence or want of care is thrown on the bailor.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney Bolles
The bailor is not responsible generally for any negligence of the hirer in operating the car.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney Bolles
Yet it is liable for ordinary negligence in protecting passengers from loss by theft.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney Bolles
Street railways are constantly sued by passengers who are injured through the negligence of its officials.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney Bolles
The court found Byng guilty of negligence in not having done his utmost in the endeavour to relieve Minorca.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries | Charles G. Harper

British Dictionary definitions for negligence

negligence

/ (ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəns) /

noun

the state or quality of being negligent
a negligent act

law a civil wrong whereby a person or party is in breach of a legal duty of care to another which results in loss or injury to the claimant

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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