C1adjectiveformalrelationshipslaw
US/nɪˈɡlekt.fəl/
UK/nɪˈɡlekt.fəl/
not giving enough care or attention to a person or duty you are responsible for
In context
She was accused of being neglectful of her elderly father.
Neglectful parents often fail to notice when a child is unwell.
The company was neglectful in maintaining its safety equipment.
Words that go with neglectful
adjective + noun
- neglectful parentA neglectful parent may leave a child alone for hours.
- neglectful ownerThe neglectful owner never took the dog for a walk.
- neglectful landlordA neglectful landlord ignored the broken heating all winter.
adjective + preposition
- neglectful ofHe was neglectful of his duties as a manager.
- neglectful inThe council has been neglectful in repairing the roads.
adverb + adjective
- grossly neglectfulThe report called the hospital grossly neglectful.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is neglectful to his children.Correct: He is neglectful of his children.