Negligence refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something, resulting in harm, damage, or failure to meet expected standards. It is often associated with carelessness, inattention, or a lack of responsibility in fulfilling duties or obligations. Negligence can occur in a variety of contexts, including in the workplace, healthcare, or legal situations. For example, a worker’s negligence in following safety protocols could lead to an accident, while a healthcare provider’s negligence might result in improper treatment or harm to a patient. In law, negligence is a key concept in personal injury claims, where individuals may seek compensation for harm caused by another party’s failure to act with reasonable care. Negligence is considered a breach of duty, meaning that a person or entity failed to meet the expected standard of care, and their actions or lack of action led to a negative outcome. While negligence can be unintentional, it still holds individuals accountable for the consequences of their actions. In some cases, negligence can be gross, meaning that it is a severe and reckless disregard for the safety or well-being of others. Preventing negligence involves maintaining awareness, adhering to guidelines, and ensuring accountability for actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail, care, and responsibility in all aspects of life, from personal safety to professional conduct.
Sample Sentences
- The company was sued for negligence after the faulty equipment caused an accident.
- His negligence in following the safety instructions led to a serious injury.
- The doctor was found guilty of negligence for failing to diagnose the patient’s condition in time.
- Due to negligence, the building was not properly maintained and suffered significant damage.
- The lawyer argued that the defendant’s negligence caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- The employer was held responsible for the negligence of its staff in handling hazardous materials.
- The negligence of the driver resulted in a costly car accident.
- She was reprimanded for negligence in completing her assigned tasks.
- The insurance company rejected the claim due to evidence of negligence.
- The city council was criticized for negligence in addressing the flooding issue.
Synonyms for “Negligence”
- Carelessness
- Inattention
- Laxity
- Oversight
- Default
- Forgetfulness
- Sloppiness
- Irresponsibility
- Recklessness
- Dereliction
Antonyms for “Negligence”
- Care
- Diligence
- Attention
- Responsibility
- Caution
- Prudence
- Vigilance
- Consideration
- Thoughtfulness
- Competence
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Negligence
- Carelessness
- Inattention
- Irresponsibility
- Oversight
- Laxity
- Dereliction
- Recklessness
- Disregard
- Sloppiness
Phrasal Verbs:
- Look after (to take care of something, preventing negligence)
- Fail to (to neglect or fail in fulfilling responsibilities)
- Leave out (to neglect or omit something important)
- Let down (to fail to meet expectations or responsibilities)
- Mess up (to make a mistake due to negligence)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Drop the ball (to fail to fulfill a responsibility or duty, resulting in negligence)
- Fail to take care (to neglect or disregard the necessary actions)
- Miss the mark (to make an error or failure due to negligence)
- Cut corners (to neglect proper procedures or standards in an effort to save time or effort)
- Let things slide (to allow something to be neglected or not properly attended to)
