negligence
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstancesSynonyms: carelessnessneglectnonperformanceType of nonaccomplishment, nonachievementKinds evasion, dereliction, concurrent negligence, contributory negligence, criminal negligence, neglect of duty, comparative negligence
- the trait of neglecting responsibilities and lacking concernSynonyms: neglectneglectfulnessType of carelessness, sloppinessKinds delinquency, laxness
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: F. négligence, L. negligentia.
The quality or state of being negligent; lack of due diligence or care; omission of duty; habitual neglect; heedlessness.
2. An act or instance of negligence or carelessness.
remarking his beauties,... I must also point out his negligences and defects.— Hugh Blair
3. Law The omission of the care usual under the circumstances, being convertible with the Roman culpa. A specialist is bound to higher skill and diligence in his specialty than one who is not a specialist, and liability for negligence varies accordingly.
Contributory negligence. See under Contributory.
Synonyms: Neglect; inattention; heedlessness; disregard; slight. — Negligence, Neglect. These two words are freely interchanged in our older writers; but a distinction has gradually sprung up between them. As now generally used, negligence is the habit, and neglect the act, of leaving things undone or unattended to. We are negligent as a general trait of character; we are guilty of neglect in particular cases, or in reference to individuals who had a right to our attentions.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54