Neglect
/nɪˈɡlɛkt/noun
Fail to care for or give proper attention to someone or something.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, neglect was considered a form of moral failing, as it implied a conscious choice to disregard duty or care, reflecting deeper societal values around responsibility.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ne-
“not”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leg-
“to gather, choose, or collect”
Latin
Latin
neglegere
“to disregard or overlook, literally 'not to choose'”
Old French
Old French
neglecter
“to disregard or pay little attention to”
Middle English
Middle English
neglecten
“to fail to care for or attend to”
Modern English
English
neglect
“to fail to pay attention or provide care”
Explore more surprising origins