rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynegligenceLack of proper care
noun

negligence

NEG-lih-juns/ˈneɡlɪdʒəns/

Failure to take proper care or give needed attention.

Leaving the wet floor unguarded shows negligence.

Worker leaves a wet floor and bucket without any barrier while pedestrians approach unaware, failure of reasonable care shown, no injury or signs.
Etymology
negLatinnot
+ligLatinpick up, select
+enceLatinstate or quality

The underlying image is “not picking up,” which developed into disregarding something or giving it no attention. Negligence names that lack of attention where care or duty requires it.

In context

Wisdom Wednesdays50:05
except for to prove the negligence I mean the duty the standard of care breach of and and that stuff
Chapter 10 of Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location

More examples

  • The inquiry examined negligence.
  • She alleged negligence in maintenance.
  • The accident exposed serious negligence.

Forms

negligence

negligent adjective — failing to take proper care

Similar words

carelessness
The ordinary broad equivalent.
neglect
Failure to attend to something over time.