remiss

American  

[ri-mis] / rɪˈmɪs /

adjective

1. negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc..

   He's terribly remiss in his work.

   Synonyms:

   neglectful, slack, lax, thoughtless, derelict

2. characterized by negligence or carelessness.

   Synonyms:

   neglectful, slack, lax, thoughtless, derelict

3. lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish.

   Synonyms:

   slow, slothful, dilatory

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remiss British  

/ rɪˈmɪs /

adjective

1. lacking in care or attention to duty; negligent

2. lacking in energy; dilatory

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Related Words

See neglect.

Other Word Forms

• overremiss adjective
• overremissly adverb
• overremissness noun
• remissly adverb
• remissness noun

Etymology

Origin of remiss

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin remissus, past participle of remittere “to send back, slacken, relax”; remit

Example Sentences

However, Martinez of Earthjustice noted that NOx is the single-largest category of emissions under the South Coast AQMD’s authority, and said that the agency would be remiss not to take action on it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2025

It would be remiss not to say I wish I had got to world number one, but that wasn't in my path.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025

Having just written an entire article about the dangers of universalized single-cause explanations, though, I would be remiss in putting the blame for dysfunction and discontent entirely on the media.

From Slate • Dec. 19, 2024

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the many guest stars on this series, a who’s who of comedy appeared over the six seasons.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

“I feel like I would be remiss in my parenting if I didn’t bring it up,” she said.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro