Meaning & Definition of word "Negligence"

Negligence

/ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəns/

noun:

  • 1. The failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or harm.
    • Example: His negligence in maintaining the equipment resulted in a major accident.
  • 2. A legal term describing a breach of duty that results in damage or injury.
    • Example: The plaintiff sued for negligence after the restaurant failed to warn customers about the wet floor.
  • 3. The quality of being negligent; carelessness.
    • Example: Her negligence during the project led to several costly mistakes.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of negligence

Meaning: Slip-up

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

Meaning: Mishap

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