[neg-li-juh
nt] 
| 1. | guilty of or characterized by neglect, as of duty: negligent officials. |
| 2. | lazily careless; offhand: a negligent wave of his manicured hand. |
| neg·li·gent (něg'lĭ-jənt) adj.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin neglegēns, neglegent-, present participle of neglegere, to neglect; see neglect.] neg'li·gent·ly adv. Synonyms: These adjectives mean guilty of a lack of due care or concern: an accident caused by a negligent driver; was derelict in his civic responsibilities; lax in attending classes; neglectful of her own financial security; remiss of you not to pay your bill; slack in maintaining discipline. |