Negligence - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Negligence is the failure to take proper care in doing something, resulting in harm or damage. It often implies a lack of attention or disregard for responsibilities.
Definition:
Failure to take proper care, resulting in harm or damage.
Synonyms:
carelessness, neglect, inattention, dereliction
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
diligence, attentiveness
Common Collocations:
gross negligence, medical negligence, professional negligence, criminal negligence
Derivatives:
negligent, negligently
Usage Tips:
Use "negligence" to describe avoidable failure in duty or care, often legal or professional contexts.
Common Phrases:
contributory negligence, willful negligence, negligence claim
Etymology:
From Latin *negligentia*, meaning "carelessness," from *negligere* ("to neglect").
Examples:
- 1. The doctor was sued for negligence after the wrong diagnosis.
- 2. Her negligence caused the car accident by ignoring traffic signals.
- 3. The company faced fines for environmental negligence.
- 4. The lawyer proved the landlord’s negligence in maintaining the property.