Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

neglect

[ni-glekt] / nɪˈglɛkt /
NOUN
disregard
Synonyms
STRONGEST
carelessness disrespect indifference oversight
STRONG
coolness delinquency disdain heedlessness inadvertence inattention inconsideration laxity laxness scorn slight thoughtlessness unconcern
WEAK
disregardance
Antonyms
STRONGEST
regard
STRONG
praise respect
WEAK
accomplishment achievement care completion finish obedience observance success watchfulness
NOUN
failure, default
Synonyms
STRONGEST
carelessness dereliction lapse negligence oversight
STRONG
chaos delay delinquency dilapidation forgetfulness laxity laxness limbo neglectfulness omission pretermission remissness slackness slovenliness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
success
WEAK
accomplishment achievement care completion finish obedience observance regard respect watchfulness
VERB
be indifferent, leave alone
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discount disregard ignore overlook reject spurn underestimate
STRONG
affront condemn depreciate despise detest disdain dismiss pretermit rebuff scant scorn slight slur
WEAK
brush aside brush off have nothing to do with keep at arm's length keep one's distance laugh off let go live with make light of not care for pass by pass over pass up pay no attention to pay no mind shrug off tune out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attend heed look at note notice pay attention recognize regard respect
STRONG
admire approve cherish compliment flatter like love praise welcome
WEAK
accomplish achieve complete concern do finish guard nurture protect succeed take care of watch
VERB
fail to do; forget
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bypass discard disregard overlook
STRONG
defer dismiss elide evade miss omit overleap overpass postpone procrastinate shirk skimp skip suspend trifle
WEAK
be careless be derelict be irresponsible be negligent be remiss gloss over let pass let slide look the other way lose sight of not trouble oneself pass over think little of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attend regard respect
STRONG
advance complete continue do expedite face finish forward maintain meet take on
WEAK
accomplish achieve cherish concern guard nurture protect succeed take care of watch

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.

Board members can only be removed for cause, meaning malfeasance, inefficiency, or neglect in their duties.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

Once a Delhi landmark, it now lies forgotten, lost to time and neglect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The games also expose the economic neglect that drives athletes toward such competition.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

"Health visitors in the community are vital in supporting families with health needs, identifying abuse and neglect, supporting with maternal mental health," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

If I wanted to neglect my own work, Kit groaned in remorse, I might at least have been out in the Crufis’ field helping the poor child!

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Vocabulary lists containing neglect

List 7

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Excerpt from "The Declaration of Independence"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!