What is negligent? Pronunciation and usage in English

negligent means . Learn how to pronounce and use negligent through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of negligent

negligentadjective

/ˈneɡlɪdʒənt//ˈneɡlɪdʒənt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "negligent." It can be tricky for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "negligent" is typically divided into three syllables: neg-li-gent

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • neg: Pronounced like "neg" in "neglect." It's a short, sharp sound. Think of the beginning of the word "negation."
  • li: Pronounced like the letter "L" - a quick, simple "l" sound.
  • gent: This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like "jhent." It's almost like "get" but with a very short “t” sound at the end. The "g" is NOT a hard "g" sound like in "garden." It's a softer, almost breathy "j" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word sounds like: NEHG-li-jhent (with that quick "jhent" at the end)

4. Resources for Hearing it:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "g": It's a subtle "j" sound, not a strong "g."
  • Keep the "jhent" short and quick: Don't linger on the final "t."
  • Listen to a native speaker: Using the resources above is the best way to get a feel for the sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word to practice?

Usage and examples with the word negligent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "negligent." It's a powerful word with a specific meaning – it describes a failure to take proper care or action. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning:

  • Definition: “Negligent” means failing to take proper care in causing harm or damage to another person, animal, or their property. It implies a carelessness or disregard that leads to negative consequences.

2. Parts of Speech & How it’s Used:

  • Adjective: This is the most common use. It describes a person or action that is careless or irresponsible.
    • Example: “The doctor was negligent in monitoring the patient’s condition.” (Describes the doctor's behavior)
    • Example: “Her negligent handling of the equipment caused a serious accident.” (Describes the handling)
  • Noun: Less common, but can refer to the state of being negligent.
    • Example: “His negligence led to the fire.” (Referring to the state of carelessness)

3. Key Phrases & Sentence Structures:

  • “Negligent in…”: This is a very common pattern.
    • Example: “He was negligent in providing adequate security.”
    • Example: “The company was negligent in investigating the safety concerns.”
  • “Due to negligence…”: This highlights the cause of an issue.
    • Example: “The accident was due to negligence on the driver’s part.”
  • “A negligent act…”: Describes a specific action.
    • Example: “A negligent act resulted in significant property damage.”

4. Levels of Negligence (Important Nuance):

The degree of negligence can vary quite a bit. It’s not always a simple “bad” thing. Here's a breakdown:

  • Simple Negligence: This is the most basic level – a failure to exercise reasonable care. It doesn't involve intent or recklessness.
  • Gross Negligence: This is a much higher standard. It involves a significant deviation from the standard of care – a conscious disregard for the safety of others. It often implies a reckless or wanton disregard. Gross negligence can lead to more severe legal consequences.
  • Willful Negligence: This is a step up from simple negligence. It implies that the person knew they were being careless but acted anyway.

5. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Legal: “The plaintiff argued the defendant was negligent in failing to maintain the swimming pool.” (Lawsuit)
  • Medical: “The hospital’s negligence contributed to the patient’s death.” (Medical malpractice)
  • Parenting: “A parent’s negligent supervision allowed the child to wander into the street.”
  • Business: “The company’s negligent data security practices resulted in a data breach.”
  • Personal: "Don't be negligent about your health – eat well and exercise." (General advice)

6. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Careless
  • Inattentive
  • Rash
  • Unmindful
  • Sloppy
  • Reckless

7. Important Note about Legal Use:

When “negligent” is used in a legal context (like a lawsuit), it’s crucial to demonstrate that the person or entity failed to meet the legal standard of care for their situation. This often involves expert testimony and evidence.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a legal document, a news article, a personal email, a creative story?)
  • Is there a specific situation you want to describe where you’re considering using the word "negligent"?

Synonyms for the word negligent

Practice with vocabulary negligent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The security guard's failure to check the perimeter allowed the intruder to enter undetected, a clear sign of his ______ behavior.
  2. Despite repeated warnings, the technician was ______ in following the safety protocols, leading to a minor incident.
  3. She was often praised for her ______ approach to her research, meticulously checking every detail.
  4. Leaving the gate open, even for a moment, was a ______ mistake that could have had serious consequences for the livestock.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions might be considered negligent in a professional setting? a) Failing to properly secure sensitive client data. b) Ignoring a clear warning about equipment malfunction, leading to a system breakdown. c) Delegating tasks to qualified team members. d) Not addressing a known safety hazard in the workplace after it has been reported.

  2. Which words are most closely associated with the legal term negligence? a) Reckless b) Diligent c) Careless d) Prudent e) Omission

  3. If a doctor fails to provide the standard level of care expected from a medical professional, leading to harm, their actions could be described as: a) Expedient b) Negligent c) Fortuitous d) Meticulous

  4. Which of these words describes someone who is extremely careful and attentive to detail in their work? a) Hasty b) Perfunctory c) Scrupulous d) Apathetic

  5. Choosing to ignore established best practices in financial reporting, without any malicious intent, could be deemed a(n) __________ decision. a) Prudent b) Unwise c) Judicious d) Benevolent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company did not take enough care to ensure the safety of its employees, which resulted in several accidents. Rewrite using "negligent" or a related word form:

  2. Original: It was clear that the student had not paid attention to the assignment instructions. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "negligent" or its forms):

  3. Original: The engineer's failure to properly inspect the bridge before its opening led to serious structural problems later on. Rewrite using "negligent" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. negligent
  2. negligent
  3. diligent
  4. careless

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a, b, d
  2. a, c, e
  3. b) Negligent
  4. c) Scrupulous
  5. b) Unwise

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company was negligent in ensuring employee safety, resulting in several accidents.
  2. The student was inattentive to the assignment instructions.
  3. The structural problems arose due to the engineer's negligence in inspecting the bridge prior to its opening.

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