Definition of: neglect

(ni·glekt′) v.t.
1. To disregard; ignore.
2. To fail to give proper attention to or take proper care of: to neglect one's business.
3. To fail to do or perform through carelessness or oversight; leave undone.
—noun
1. The act of neglecting, or the state of being neglected.
2. Habitual want of attention or care; negligence. [<L neglectus, pp. of negligere <nec- not + legere gather, pick up]
—neg·lect′a·ble adjective
—neg·lect′er noun Synonyms (noun): carelessness, default, disregard, failure, heedlessness, inadvertence, inattention, indifference, neglectfulness, negligence, oversight, remissness, slackness, slight. Neglect is the failing to take such care, show such attention, pay such courtesy, etc., as may be rightfully or reasonably expected. Negligence may be used in almost the same sense, but with a slighter force; but it is often used to denote the quality or trait of character of which the act is a manifestation, or to denote the habit of neglecting that which ought to be done. Negligence in dress implies want of care as to its arrangement, tidiness, etc.; neglect of one's garments would imply leaving them exposed to defacement or injury, as by dust, moths, etc. See SLIGHT. Antonyms: see synonyms under CARE.