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 Word Forms

• nonnegligence noun
• overnegligence noun
• prenegligence noun
• supernegligence 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

“It was the direct result of Defendant’s gross negligence and failure to meet even basic safety obligations.”

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The principle of designing systems for failure represents a best practice standard applicable to all cloud users rather than evidence of provider negligence.

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Two and a half years later, the tragedy still provokes anger and calls for justice amid widespread distrust of political leaders accused of negligence.

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Police in the northern city of Osan said the woman could be charged with accidentally starting a fire and causing death by negligence.

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It said victims and survivors stressed the "urgent need for bishops and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and cover-up was repeatedly stressed".

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Related Words

• disregard 
• failure 
• laxity 
• neglect 
• oversight