Negligent
/ˈnɛɡ.lɪ.dʒənt/noun
Failing to take proper care in doing something.
Did you know?The term 'negligent' stems from the Latin 'neglegere', which means to 'neglect' or literally 'to disregard', hinting at a profound history of carelessness that can lead to dire consequences!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*neg-
“to deny or disregard”
Latin
Latin
neglegere
“to neglect, to disregard, or to be indifferent”
Old French
Old French
negligent
“careless or inattentive”
Middle English
Middle English
negligent
“not attending to duty or care”
Modern English
English
negligent
“failing to show the care expected in a particular situation”
Explore more surprising origins