Negligence

/ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or harm.

His negligence in maintaining the equipment resulted in a major accident.

A legal term describing a breach of duty that results in damage or injury.

The plaintiff sued for negligence after the restaurant failed to warn customers about the wet floor.

The quality of being negligent; carelessness.

Her negligence during the project led to several costly mistakes.

Late Middle English: from Latin negligentia, from neglegere 'to disregard'.

criminal negligence

A failure to live up to a standard of care that demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

gross negligence

A severe form of negligence that shows a complete disregard for the safety of others.

negligence per se

An act is considered negligent because it violates a statute or regulation.

neglect

The failure to care for something properly.

carelessness

Lack of attention to detail resulting in mistakes.

oversight

An unintentional failure to notice or do something.

Slip-up

He made a slip-up by forgetting to submit the report.

Mishap

That mishap was due to his negligence in checking the equipment.