Words / B2

ni-GLEKT/nɪˈɡlekt/

To neglect is to fail to give enough care or attention; ignore is often deliberate, while neglect can be careless or chronic. Patterns include neglect your health / duties and neglect to + verb (fail to do it). It is also a noun (child neglect), and negligent is the related adjective in formal and legal English.

Meaning

To not give enough care or attention to someone or something.

Examples

• “Don’t neglect your health while you study.”
• “The garden was neglected for years.”
• “He neglected to mention the extra fee.”

Good to know

neglect + noun. neglect to + verb. Contrast: ignore (often on purpose).

Near in meaning

overlook

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