negligent

/ˈneɡlɪdʒənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈneɡlɪdʒənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈne-gli-jənt/ (ame, mw)

negligent — adjective

  • negligentpositive
  • more negligentcomparative
  • most negligentsuperlative

1. not taking the level of care that a duty, responsibility, or dependent person re

1.形容詞C1
釋義

not taking the level of care that a duty, responsibility, or dependent person requires.

例句

The hospital was <hl>negligent</hl> in checking the baby's allergy record.

be negligent in + -ing for failed duty

Wei felt the landlord had been <hl>negligent</hl> about the broken stairs.

be negligent about + safety problem

同義詞
  • careless

    broader everyday word; can describe minor mistakes as well as serious ones

  • irresponsible

    judges the person's behavior more generally, not just one duty

  • sloppy

    focuses on poor standards or untidy work rather than duty of care

  • lax

    often about weak enforcement or control rather than a single mistake

反義詞
  • careful

    shows steady attention and avoids mistakes

  • responsible

    emphasizes meeting duties properly

  • diligent

    suggests active, thorough care in work or duty

文法句型

be negligent in + -ing

be negligent about + noun

negligent + noun

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person or organization with a clear duty of care. Negligent is stronger than careless because it suggests a responsibility was not properly met, often with serious consequences.

常見錯誤

❌The child was negligent with his crayons.
✅The child was careless with his crayons.
💡negligent usually implies a real duty or responsibility, not a small everyday slip.
❌The nurse negligent to check the label.
✅The nurse was negligent in checking the label.
💡negligent is an adjective and normally follows be.

2. showing an easy, slightly careless manner that feels loose rather than serious o

2.形容詞C2
釋義

showing an easy, slightly careless manner that feels loose rather than serious or deliberate.

例句

Eitan gave a <hl>negligent</hl> shrug and kept walking toward the bus.

attributive use with gesture nouns like shrug

Iris answered with a <hl>negligent</hl> laugh, as if the delay meant nothing.

同義詞
  • casual

    more neutral and much more common; does not always suggest careless ease

  • nonchalant

    close in meaning; stresses calm lack of concern

  • offhand

    often suggests a brief, slightly dismissive manner

  • easygoing

    warmer and more positive, usually about personality

反義詞
  • formal

    careful and socially controlled in manner

  • stiff

    opposite in bodily manner; not loose or easy

  • deliberate

    emphasizes controlled, purposeful action

文法句型

a negligent + gesture

a negligent + smile

with a negligent + noun

用法筆記

Mostly formal or literary, and usually used for gestures, expressions, poses, or manner rather than for duties. It suggests relaxed detachment and can sometimes imply that the ease is slightly affected or deliberately cool.

常見錯誤

❌Her answer was negligent, so it broke the rule.
✅Her answer sounded negligent, as if she did not really care.
💡this sense describes manner or tone, not legal or practical fault.
❌He looked negligent about the safety report.
✅He looked negligent while waving the complaint away.
💡sense 2 is about manner; duty failures belong to sense 1.