What does neglector mean?
A neglector is a person who fails to attend to a duty, responsibility, person, or possession. The word can refer broadly to someone who neglects obligations, but it is especially associated with criticism of carelessness or lack of attention, as in a neglector of children, a building, or one’s own health. Its tone is generally formal, literary, and disapproving, so ordinary situations often use the more neutral “neglecter” or the phrase “one who neglects.” “Neglector” is useful when naming the agent is itself important: it emphasizes not merely that something has been neglected, but that a particular person has failed in the responsibility. Although relatively uncommon in everyday speech, it appears in legal, social, and literary discussion.
nounA person who neglects a duty, responsibility, person, or thing. The term is often used critically to describe someone who fails to provide appropriate care or attention.
- A person who fails to perform a duty or provide proper care or attention.
"The tenant accused the landlord of being a neglector of the building's basic maintenance."
"The report identified several neglectors who had failed to maintain the property."
"His reputation as a neglector of his own health preceded him."
The plural is used when referring to multiple people who neglect duties or responsibilities.
"The document named three neglectors responsible for failing to inspect the site."
“Neglector” puts the spotlight on the person behind a failure of care, making it a forceful label for someone who lets duties go unfulfilled.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does neglector come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix “-or,” meaning a person who performs an action, to “neglect.” “Neglect” ultimately comes from Latin neglegere, meaning to disregard or overlook, and is related to Latin neg- meaning not and legere meaning to gather or pick out. The same Latin root also underlies negligent and negligence.
How neglector is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and somewhat literary or critical noun. It may sound more strongly accusatory than “neglecter” and is not normally used in neutral descriptions.