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negligent

adjective

/ˈnɛɡlɪdʒənt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of negligent

Failing to take proper care in doing something that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
"The employee's negligent actions resulted in the loss of valuable data."

Detailed meaning of negligent

It is a legal term, often used in the context of professional or personal responsibility. A negligent act can be committed by an individual, company or organization and is deemed as a failure to act reasonably in order to prevent harm to others. When it comes to professional practices, Negligence can also refer to professional malpractice, which is negligence in the provision of professional services. Negligence can also happen in everyday life, when a person doesn't take the proper precautions to prevent harm to others. Negligence can also be a criminal offense depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Example sentences containing negligent

1. His actions were clearly negligent, leading to a preventable accident.
2. Negligent behavior at work can result in serious consequences.
3. The company faced a lawsuit due to its negligent policies and practices.
4. In the car crash, the driver was found to be negligent.
5. Children can suffer long-term effects due to negligent parenting.
6. Frustrated tenants blamed the landlord's negligent maintenance.

History and etymology of negligent

The adjective 'negligent' is derived from the Latin word 'negligens,' which is the present participle of 'neglegere.' 'Neglegere' is formed by combining 'ne,' meaning 'not,' and 'legere,' meaning 'to pick' or 'to choose.' In Latin, 'negligens' originally meant 'not picking' or 'not choosing,' indicating a lack of careful attention or diligence. As the term made its way into English, it took on the meaning of failing to take proper care in doing something, especially when a reasonable person would exercise care under similar circumstances. To be described as 'negligent' implies a disregard for the expected level of responsibility or care. The etymology of 'negligent' underscores the idea of not picking up or choosing to be attentive and diligent, emphasizing the failure to meet reasonable standards of care and responsibility.

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Further usage examples of negligent

1. Data breaches often occur due to negligent handling of sensitive information.
2. The problem escalated because of negligent oversight.
3. Structural issues in the building were caused by negligent construction.
4. Loss of driving privileges is a consequence of negligent driving.
5. Accidents can happen when there's negligent supervision of children.
6. The doctor faced a lawsuit for his negligent medical practice.
7. Negligent financial management can lead a business to bankruptcy.
8. One's reputation can be damaged by negligent reporting of facts.
9. Accidents can result from negligent maintenance of equipment.
10. Company security was jeopardized by the employee's negligent behavior.
11. Negligent disposal of hazardous waste harms the environment.
12. Product recalls often stem from negligent product design.
13. Student frustration mounted due to the teacher's negligent grading.
14. A business can suffer from negligent handling of customer complaints.
15. His failure to properly maintain the equipment was considered negligent.
16. The company was sued for negligent behavior leading to the accident.
17. The doctor's negligent care led to the patient's worsening condition.
18. The driver was charged with negligent driving after causing the accident.
19. The company was found liable for negligent hiring practices.
20. The patient claimed that the hospital was negligent in failing to properly train its residents.
21. The parent's negligent supervision led to the child's injury.
22. The landlord was held responsible for negligent security measures.
23. His negligent attitude towards safety resulted in multiple injuries.
24. The court found the defendant guilty of negligent homicide.
25. The company was sued for negligent design of the product.
26. He was fired for negligent performance of his duties.