negligence

[ neg-li-juhns ]

noun

1. the quality, fact, or result of being negligent; neglect:

   negligence in discharging one's responsibilities.

2. an instance of being negligent:

   a downfall brought about by many negligences.

3. Law. the failure to exercise that degree of care that, in the circumstances, the law requires for the protection of other persons or those interests of other persons that may be injuriously affected by the want of such care.

adjective

1. Law. pertaining to or involving a civil action for compensation for damages filed by a person who claims to have suffered an injury or loss in an accident caused by another's negligence:

   a negligence suit;

   a large negligence award.

negligence

/ ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəns /

noun

1. the state or quality of being negligent
2. a negligent act
3. law a civil wrong whereby a person or party is in breach of a legal duty of care to another which results in loss or injury to the claimant

Other Words From

• non·neg·li·gence noun
• o·ver·neg·li·gence noun
• pre·neg·li·gence noun
• su·per·neg·li·gence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of negligence¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, variant of necligence, from Latin necligentia; negligent, -ence

Synonym Study

See neglect.

Example Sentences

The physician went on probation, which he completed two years ago, after being accused by the Medical Board of California of “gross negligence” in his treatment of several obstetric patients.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of skyrocketing liability payouts, which also stem from cases involving employment matters and police use of force and negligence, the city is considering borrowing $80 million to pay off some judgments and settlements.

From Los Angeles Times

If found guilty the defendants face lengthy prison sentences for "homicide through negligence", fraud and forgery.

From BBC

Part of the historic legal case hinged on the interpretation of an "unwritten duty of care" that exists under Dutch law, which requires companies to prevent hazardous negligence.

From BBC

In a statement, a school spokesperson said it was "important to note that the court found that there was no negligence" found on its part.

From BBC

Related Words

• disregard
• failure
• laxity
• neglect
• oversight