negligence
/ˈneɡlɪdʒəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈneɡlɪdʒəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈne-gli-jən(t)s/ (ame, mw)
negligence — noun
1. the condition or fact of failing to take proper care of someone or something tha
the condition or fact of failing to take proper care of someone or something that depends on you, often resulting in problems or harm
The hospital was criticised for its negligence in checking the patient's medical history before surgery.
negligence in + gerund
Aiko's negligence in locking the door led to her bicycle being stolen from the garden.
The fire was caused by the negligence of a worker who left a gas heater on overnight.
Parents can be held responsible for negligence if they leave dangerous objects where young children can reach them.
After years of negligence, the old lighthouse fell into disrepair and was finally closed to the public.
- carelessness
less formal and broader — refers to any lack of attention, not necessarily tied to a duty or responsibility
- inattention
focuses on not paying attention rather than on failing a duty; weaker in moral weight
- dereliction
formal and stronger — implies a serious failure of professional or moral duty
文法句型
negligence + in + verb-ing
用法筆記
Commonly followed by the preposition 'in' plus a gerund (e.g., negligence in maintaining, negligence in supervising). Gross negligence is a more severe degree used when the lack of care is extreme.
常見錯誤
2. a situation in which a person or organisation fails to show the level of caution
a situation in which a person or organisation fails to show the level of caution that any reasonable person would show in the same circumstances, especially when this failure causes injury, loss, or damage to others
The court found the company guilty of negligence for failing to install safety barriers at the construction site.
legal terminology: guilty of negligence
Proving negligence in court requires showing that the defendant did not act as a reasonable person would in that situation.
Beatriz filed a negligence claim against the landlord after the broken stairs caused her to fall and break her arm.
A finding of negligence can result in an order to pay damages to the injured party.
The construction company's negligence caused a wall to collapse, injuring two workers on the site.
- carelessness
everyday equivalent, though less precise for legal proceedings where standards of care are formally defined
- dereliction
formal and weighty — suggests a serious abandonment of duty, often in a professional role
- due care
the level of attention and caution that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation
用法筆記
Frequently used in civil lawsuits where the plaintiff must establish four elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. Common legal phrases include contributory negligence, medical negligence, and professional negligence.