Word
neglect
Phoneticsne·glect, stress on the second syllable
US/nəˈɡɫɛkt/
UK/nɪɡlˈɛkt/
Definitions
01to fail to care for
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to fail to give enough care or attention to someone or something.
v. to fail to provide proper care, maintenance, or attention to a person or object, often resulting in deterioration.
日本語:放る※
“The garden was a mess because the previous owners had neglected it for years.”
“The historic building had been neglected for decades, resulting in significant structural damage that would cost millions to repair.”
Usage
Transitive verb taking a direct object.
02to fail to do a task
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to forget or fail to do something that you should do.
v. to omit to perform a duty or task through oversight or lack of attention.
日本語:怠る※
“He neglected to mention that the meeting had been cancelled.”
“The witness neglected to provide several crucial details during the initial police interview, which later complicated the trial.”
Usage
Often followed by an infinitive (to + verb).
03to ignore for calculation
C1 · Advanced Science Technical · Academic
v. to ignore a small detail or number in science or math because it does not change the result much.
v. to disregard a variable or value in a calculation because its effect is considered insignificant to the final outcome.
“In this basic physics problem, we can neglect air resistance.”
“For the purposes of this simulation, we can neglect the gravitational pull of smaller celestial bodies to simplify the orbital mechanics.”
Usage
Commonly used in physics and engineering contexts.
04lack of care
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a situation where someone or something does not get the care or attention they need.
n. the state of being uncared for or the act of failing to provide necessary attention.
“The old house fell into a state of neglect after the family moved away.”
“The report highlighted the systemic neglect of the city's public infrastructure, citing crumbling bridges and poorly maintained roads.”
Usage
Often functions as an uncountable noun.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “neglect” in context.
Verb
01. neglect one's health
“If you continue to neglect your health by skipping sleep, you will eventually burn out.”
verb + noun
02. neglect the garden
“The house looked abandoned because the previous owners had neglected the garden for years.”
verb + noun
03. neglect to mention the cost
“He gave us a glowing review of the car but neglected to mention the exorbitant maintenance costs.”
verb + infinitive
Adjective
04. sadly neglected building
“The sadly neglected building was finally restored to its former glory by a local charity.”
adv + adj + noun
Adverb
05. benignly neglect the situation
“Some economists argue that the government should benignly neglect the exchange rate for a while.”
adv + verb + noun
06. grossly neglect the children
“The social services intervened because the parents had grossly neglected the children's basic needs.”
adv + verb + noun
07. shamefully neglect one's duties
“The manager was fired after it was discovered he had shamefully neglected his duties for months.”
adv + verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“They have been taken by child protection services due to the lack of a fridge in the house, which is treated as a sign of neglect.” “And this is an urgent situation."
Buenaventura is one of several cities and towns where residents fear a pattern of state neglect will affect how resources are distributed after the deadly earthquake.” Etymology
The verb is inherited from Middle English neglect, neclect, derived from Latin neglēctus, perfect passive participle of neglegō (“to make light of, disregard, not to pick up”), itself from nec (“not”) + legō (“to pick up, select”). The noun is from neglēctus (“neglect”). First attested in 1460, the noun in 1588.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0