negligence

[ neg-li-juhns ]

noun

1. the quality, fact, or result of being negligent; neglect:

   negligence in discharging one's responsibilities.

2. an instance of being negligent:

   a downfall brought about by many negligences.

3. 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

1. 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.

negligence

/ ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəns /

noun

1. the state or quality of being negligent
2. a negligent act
3. 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

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of negligence¹

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

Synonym Study

See neglect.

Example Sentences

A number of other lawsuits, including a negligence suit against the EPA, are still pending.

From ProPublica

Certainly, reports of sloppiness and negligence have surfaced.

From Washington Post

He is the author of the new book Science Fictions, which documents how fraud, bias, negligence, and hype are rife in science.

From 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.

From 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.

From Voice of San Diego

Sully decides to face the truth of what his negligence has sown.

From The Daily Beast

When it comes to the practice of democracy, Americans now have few illusions about our own incompetence, division, and negligence.

From 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).

From The Daily Beast

The office should not be able to treat a matter of such importance with such negligence without any redress.

From The Daily Beast

Yes, Klein was an actual victim of documented abuse, whereas the only crime against Victoria was familial negligence.

From The Daily Beast

Having done this, the proof of negligence or want of care is thrown on the bailor.

From Project Gutenberg

The bailor is not responsible generally for any negligence of the hirer in operating the car.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet it is liable for ordinary negligence in protecting passengers from loss by theft.

From Project Gutenberg

Street railways are constantly sued by passengers who are injured through the negligence of its officials.

From Project Gutenberg

The court found Byng guilty of negligence in not having done his utmost in the endeavour to relieve Minorca.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• disregard
• failure
• laxity
• neglect
• oversight