neglect
gb/nɪɡlˈɛkt/ us/nɪɡlˈɛkt/
B1
English
~ 3600
elhanyagol, elhanyagolás, elhanyagoltság
VERB
B1
1
elhanyagol
B2
Usage pattern:
to neglect [someone/something]
She neglected her garden, and the plants died.
Elhanyagolta a kertjét, és a növények elpusztultak.
The company neglected safety procedures, leading to an accident.
A vállalat nem fordított kellő figyelmet a biztonsági eljárásokra, ami balesethez vezetett.
Parents must not neglect their children's education.
He neglected his own health for years while working long hours.
Learner examples
She neglected her dog, and it was hungry.
Elhanyagolta a kutyáját, ezért az éhes volt.
He neglected his homework and got a bad grade.
Elhanyagolta a házi feladatát, és rossz jegyet kapott.
The man neglected his car, so it broke.
We must not neglect our friends.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'neglect' with 'forget'. 'Neglect' means to fail to care for something, often repeatedly or over time, while 'forget' is about not remembering.
Meaning
Fail to care for properly
Collocations
neglect duties
|neglect a child
|neglect responsibilities
|neglect health
|neglect a pet
Synonyms
ignore (Implies not paying attention, but may lack the sense of responsibility present in 'neglect'.)
|
overlook (Suggests failing to notice or attend to something, often unintentionally.)
Antonyms
care for (Means to provide necessary attention and support.)
|
attend to (Means to give attention and deal with needs or problems.)
Themes
daily life
|responsibility
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To not take care of someone or something when you should.
To not give necessary care, attention, or support to someone or something.
NOUN
B1
2
elhanyagolás
B2
The building showed signs of neglect.
Az épületen az elhanyagoltság jelei látszottak.
Neglect of duty can lead to dismissal.
A kötelesség elmulasztása elbocsátáshoz vezethet.
Child neglect is a serious crime.
After years of neglect, the park was restored.
Learner examples
The house was old because of neglect.
A ház az elhanyagoltság miatt tűnt réginek.
Neglect of pets is wrong.
A háziállatok elhanyagolása helytelen.
The park was dirty from neglect.
Neglect of work can cause problems.
Meaning
Lack of proper care
Collocations
child neglect
|signs of neglect
|years of neglect
|neglect of duty
Synonyms
disregard (Focuses more on lack of consideration than lack of care.)
|
abandonment (Implies complete leaving behind, often more severe than 'neglect'.)
Antonyms
attention (Giving focus or care.)
|
care (Providing what is needed for well-being.)
Themes
daily life
|responsibility
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Definition
When you do not take care of someone or something as you should.
The state or act of failing to care for something or someone properly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
neglect
IPA
GB/nɪɡlˈɛkt/
US/nɪɡlˈɛkt/
Syllables & stress
neg - lect (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lect)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: neglect
- Plural: neglect
Verb
- Base: neglect
- 3rd Person Singular: neglects
- Present Participle: neglecting
- Past: neglected
Word family
Forms
neglects
verb
neglecting
verb
neglected
verb
Core family
neglectful
adjective B2
Related words
Advanced or less common
negligible
adjective C1
Expressions
criminal neglect
1/kɹˈɪmənəl nɪɡlˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
formal
Illegal failure to provide care
When someone does not give needed care and this is against the law.
Examples
- The parent was charged with criminal neglect after leaving the child alone.
- Criminal neglect can result in prison time.
gross neglect
1/ɡɹˈoʊs nɪɡlˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
Extreme lack of care
Very serious failure to take care of something or someone.
Examples
- The collapse was due to gross neglect by the maintenance team.
- Gross neglect of safety measures led to the disaster.
neglect of duty
1/nɪɡlˈɛkt əv dˈuti/
fixed phrase
formal
Failure to do required work
When someone does not do the work or tasks they are supposed to do.
Examples
- The officer was dismissed for neglect of duty.
- Neglect of duty can damage an organization's reputation.