neglect
gb/nɪɡlˈɛkt/ us/nɪɡlˈɛkt/
B1
English
~ 3600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Fail to care for properly
To not take care of someone or something when you should.
Usage pattern:
to neglect [someone/something]
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.
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.)
Collocations
neglect duties
|neglect a child
|neglect responsibilities
|neglect health
|neglect a pet
Themes
daily life
|responsibility
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She neglected her garden, and the plants died.
- The company neglected safety procedures, leading to an accident.
- 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.
- He neglected his homework and got a bad grade.
- The man neglected his car, so it broke.
- We must not neglect our friends.
Noun
B1
state
2
Lack of proper care
When you do not take care of someone or something as you should.
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.)
Collocations
child neglect
|signs of neglect
|years of neglect
|neglect of duty
Themes
daily life
|responsibility
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Examples
- The building showed signs of neglect.
- Neglect of duty can lead to dismissal.
- Child neglect is a serious crime.
- After years of neglect, the park was restored.
Learner examples
- The house was old because of neglect.
- Neglect of pets is wrong.
- The park was dirty from neglect.
- Neglect of work can cause problems.
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.