What does "neglect" mean?

1. (to fail to care for) to fail to give enough care or attention to someone or something. 2. (to fail to do a task) to forget or fail to do something that you should do. 3. (to ignore for calculation) to ignore a small detail or number in science or math because it does not change the result much. 4. (lack of care) a situation where someone or something does not get the care or attention they need.

How do you use "neglect"?

Transitive verb taking a direct object. Often followed by an infinitive (to + verb). Commonly used in physics and engineering contexts. Often functions as an uncountable noun.

neglect

v. · n.

US //nəˈɡɫɛkt// UK //nɪɡlˈɛkt// ne·glect

1 to fail to care for (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to fail to give enough care or attention to someone or something.

to fail to provide proper care, maintenance, or attention to a person or object, often resulting in deterioration.

Example

The garden was a mess because the previous owners had neglected it for years.

Example

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.
2 to fail to do a task (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to forget or fail to do something that you should do.

to omit to perform a duty or task through oversight or lack of attention.

Example

He neglected to mention that the meeting had been cancelled.

Example

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).
- remember
- fulfil

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3 to ignore for calculation (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Academic Science

to ignore a small detail or number in science or math because it does not change the result much.

to disregard a variable or value in a calculation because its effect is considered insignificant to the final outcome.

Example

In this basic physics problem, we can neglect air resistance.

Example

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.
- disregard
- exclude
- include
- factor in
4 lack of care (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a situation where someone or something does not get the care or attention they need.

the state of being uncared for or the act of failing to provide necessary attention.

Example

The old house fell into a state of neglect after the family moved away.

Example

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.
- care
- attention

Origin

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.