neglect

Everyday

1. To not give enough care or attention to someone or something you should look after. tree →
2. To forget or fail to do something: «He neglected to tell us.» tree →
3. (noun) The state of not being cared for. tree →
4. (law, safety) When parents or carers do not give a child food, safety, warmth or care, this is called neglect, and adults like teachers must help. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a neglected garden or house is overgrown and broken; a neglected animal is thin and sad. In ethics and adult-life lessons neglect is a serious wrong that social workers protect children from. In school, neglecting homework means not doing it. Phrases: «neglect your duties», «fall into neglect», «child neglect», «neglected to mention».

Examples

• The old house had been neglected for years. tree →
• Don't neglect your teeth: brush them twice a day. tree →
• The dog was rescued from neglect. tree →
• He neglected to mention he had broken the window. tree →
• The garden fell into neglect. tree →
• Teachers must report it if they think a child suffers neglect. tree →
• She neglected her homework and got behind. tree →
• The faithful Nurse, meanwhile, did not neglect her duty. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun is the same word. Adjectives: neglected, neglectful. «Neglect to do» means «fail to do». Do not confuse with «negligent» (careless, in law) or «negligible» (very small).