Synonyms for

Neglect

Verb / nʌˈglekt / / nɪˈglekt / Another word for neglect — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Neglect means to ignore or pay little attention to something or someone.

Synonyms & similar words

disregard pretermit neglectfulness leaveout overleap ignore attendto overlook negligence carelessness drop miss nonperformance fail disuse omit ignore disregard abandon forget overlook omit dismiss slight spurn reject shirk avoid evade sidestep dodge skip skimp scrimp

Synonyms by register

Formal

disregard omit overlook ignore

Informal

skip forget blow off let slide

Literary

forsake abandon slight

Antonyms

care attention cherish nurture mind heed protect

Common collocations

  • neglect duty
  • neglect responsibilities
  • neglect of duty
  • neglect of care
  • neglect to do
  • neglect one's health

Word family

noun neglect
verb neglect
adjective neglectful
adverb neglectfully

Usage note

Neglect often implies a failure to provide necessary care or attention, particularly to people or responsibilities. It can range from unintentional oversight to deliberate disregard.

Example sentences

  1. He neglects to brush his teeth every night.
  2. The landlord neglected to fix the leaky faucet.
  3. The parents were charged with neglect for leaving their child unattended.
  4. She neglected her homework and got a bad grade.
  5. The company neglected to train its employees on safety procedures.

Quotes

  • Neglecting your health is a form of suicide.
  • Neglect is often the cause of resentment.
  • Neglect is the rust of the soul, that corrodes through all her best resolves.

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