remiss
adjective
Synonyms
- careless
- derelict
- disregardful
- lax
- lazy
- neglectful
- neglecting
- negligent
- slack
Example Sentences
Jennifer Howard, Undoing Time, 2001 But if we do not address these complexities in the public arena, and in ways that are spatially theoretically grounded, we will be remiss in carrying out our scholarly and civic responsibilities. Saul B. Cohen, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, December 1991 "Well, Sally, I'm in fault, and I acknowledge it; I've been remiss; but I won't let tomorrow go by without stopping up them holes." Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885 I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 20 May 2022 As the 2022 awards race starts to take shape, Oscar-watchers would be remiss to underestimate The Power of the Dog. Mary Sollosi, EW.com, 22 Nov. 2021 While a detest for specific platforms such as TikTok is understandable, law firms are remiss to ignore the advantage of this type of medium. Yec, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021 In several instances, schools or teachers were remiss in sharing study material online. Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2021 But teams would be remiss to think the development process is 90% complete. Greg Samios, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2021 But Phoenix would be remiss to overlook the Liberty. New York Times, 22 Sep. 2021 Additionally, the Longview native would be remiss to not display his wheels yet again. Dallas News, 9 Sep. 2021 That was less about being remiss than about being real: Risks that could be mitigated were, but at the same time events had to go on. CBS News, 9 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Middle English remisse, borrowed from Latin remissus "relaxed, free from constraint, casual, lenient," from past participle of remittere "to send back, release, relax, ease off" — more at remit entry 1
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
remiss
adjective
remiss
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- neglecting
- neglectful
- careless
- lazy
- negligent
- derelict
- lax
- slack
- reckless
- disregardful
- oblivious
- forgetful
- irresponsible
- disregarding
- heedless
- inattentive
- incautious
- unmindful
- delinquent
- uninterested
- thoughtless
- disinterested
- indifferent
- unconcerned
- unguarded
- unthinking
- apathetic
- unwary
- unheeding
- wild
- loose
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- careful
- attentive
- conscientious
- punctilious
- circumspect
- chary
- mindful
- meticulous
- vigilant
- wary
- cautious
- regarding
- painstaking
- responsible
- nonnegligent
- thinking
- observant
- watchful
- guarded
- alert
- interested
- concerned
- thoughtful
- heedful
- gingerly
- provident
- heeding
- regardful
- foresighted
- forethoughtful
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of remiss are lax, neglectful, negligent, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.
While in some cases nearly identical to remiss, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.
The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.
While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.
In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. However, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.