negligently
gb/nˈɛɡlɪd͡ʒəntli/ us/nˈɛɡlɪd͡ʒəntli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
action
1
in a careless way
In a careless way; not paying enough attention.
Usage pattern:
negligently + [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse it with "neglectfully" (rare) or use it where "accidentally" is meant; "negligently" implies carelessness.
Synonyms
carelessly (More common and less formal.)
|
inattentively (Emphasizes not paying attention.)
|
recklessly (Stronger; suggests taking dangerous risks.)
Antonyms
carefully (With attention and caution.)
|
diligently (With steady, responsible effort.)
|
responsibly (In a way that shows duty and care.)
Collocations
negligently left
|negligently dropped
|negligently ignored
|negligently handled
|negligently stored
|negligently damaged
|negligently allowed
|negligently failed
Themes
daily_life
|behavior
|safety
Examples
- He negligently left the stove on all night.
- She negligently deleted the wrong file and lost a week of work.
- The technician negligently handled the equipment and broke a connector.
Learner examples
- I negligently forgot to lock the door.
- He negligently spilled coffee on the laptop.
adverb
legal
C1
action
2
in a legally negligent way
In a way that breaks a duty of care (legal).
Usage pattern:
negligently + [verb] + [someone/something]
Common mistake:
In legal English, "negligently" is not the same as "intentionally"; it means careless failure to meet a reasonable standard of care.
Synonyms
negligent (Adjective form; used differently in a sentence.)
|
culpably (More formal; emphasizes blame.)
Antonyms
non-negligently (Without legal negligence; meeting the duty of care.)
|
reasonably (In line with what a reasonable person would do.)
Collocations
negligently caused
|negligently injured
|negligently killed
|negligently failed to
|negligently misrepresented
|negligently maintained
|negligently supervised
|negligently operated
|negligently discharged
Themes
law
|work
|safety
Examples
- The court ruled that the landlord negligently failed to repair the stairs.
- Prosecutors argued that the driver negligently caused the collision by speeding in poor visibility.
- The insurer denied coverage because the damage was negligently caused during installation.
Learner examples
- The company acted negligently and caused an accident.
Grammar
Dictionary form
negligently
IPA
GB/nˈɛɡlɪd͡ʒəntli/
US/nˈɛɡlɪd͡ʒəntli/
Syllables & stress
neg - li - gently (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (neg)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: negligently
- Plural: negligentlies
Word family
Forms
negligentlies
noun
Core family
Related words
neglectful
adjective B2
neglectfully
adverb
Advanced or less common
negligible
adjective C1
negligibly
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.