Dictionary.com

remiss

[ ri-mis ]
/ rɪˈmɪs /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for remiss on Thesaurus.com
adjective
negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc.: He's terribly remiss in his work.
characterized by negligence or carelessness.
lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of remiss

First recorded in1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin remissus, past participle of remittere “to send back, slacken, relax”; see remit

synonym study for remiss

1, 2. See neglect.

OTHER WORDS FROM remiss

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

Words related to remiss

any which way, asleep at switch, behindhand, culpable, daydreaming, delinquent, derelict, dilatory, disregardful, fainéant, forgetful, heedless, inattentive, indifferent, indolent, lackadaisical, lax, lazy, neglectful, negligent

How to use remiss in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for remiss

remiss
/ (rɪˈmɪs) /
adjective (postpositive)
lacking in care or attention to duty; negligent
lacking in energy; dilatory

Derived forms of remiss

remissly, adverbremissness, noun

Word Origin for remiss

C15: from Latin remissus from remittere to release, from re- + mittere to send
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
FEEDBACK