neglect

/nɪˈɡlɛkt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: neglects · neglecting · neglected

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To fail to care for or attend to something.

Verb

Examples

to neglect duty or business;  to neglect to pay debts

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To omit to notice; to forbear to treat with attention or respect; to slight.

Verb

Examples

to neglect strangers

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The act of neglecting.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The state of being neglected.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “neglect” mean?

To fail to care for or attend to something.

Is “neglect” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.