adjective

remiss

rih-MISS/rɪˈmɪs/

Careless in carrying out a duty.

The owner is remiss in watering the drooping plant despite the full watering can.

A neglected dry houseplant with drooping leaves sits beside a full unused watering can and distracted owner.

Etymology

The compound meaning “send back” also meant “slacken” or “let go.” That looseness became a description of conduct: someone remiss is slack in carrying out a duty.

In context

Arlington Community Media Inc.142:16

there's things that we haven't done here in Arlington that we should be doing and it's not just Allington the state is also remiss

Selectmen Meeting - March 21, 2016

More examples

I was remiss in not thanking you sooner.
The landlord has been remiss about making necessary repairs.
We would be remiss if we ignored these complaints.

Forms

remiss · more remiss · most remiss

remissness noun — Carelessness or neglect in performing duties.

Similar words

negligent: Often implies a serious failure to exercise required care.
neglectful: Emphasizes failing to give someone or something needed attention.
lax: Emphasizes insufficient strictness in maintaining rules or standards.