adjective

negligent

NEG-lih-juhnt/ˈneɡlɪdʒənt/

Failing to take proper care or give enough attention

The negligent caretaker ignores the leaking pipe while absorbed in a phone.

A careless caretaker overlooks leaking pipe and growing puddle while absorbed in phone, preventable damage visible, no text.

Etymology

negLatinnot

+ligLatinpick up, select

+entLatinpresent-participle ending

“Not picking up” became an expression for disregarding or not attending to something. The participial adjective consequently described someone heedless or unconcerned—the basis of failing to exercise proper care.

In context

Panda Fantasy Chronicles713:30

the gunner dared not be negligent at all and immediately began to carefully and meticulously check the position

Boy Travels to Ancient Era, Gains Modern Arms System, Crushes Bandits, Builds the Strongest Empire!

More examples

Leaving a toddler alone in the bathtub is negligent.
The company was negligent in protecting its workers.
Negligent record keeping can lead to costly mistakes.

Forms

negligent

negligence noun — Failure to exercise proper care or attention

negligently adverb — Without exercising proper care or attention

Similar words

careless: Less strongly suggests a failure to fulfill a duty.
inattentive: Emphasizes failing to pay attention rather than failing to act responsibly.
neglectful: Often suggests ongoing disregard for responsibilities or someone's needs.