neglect

To neglect means to fail to care for properly, attend to, or do what you should for someone or something. It is more than simply forgetting. It often suggests a pattern of inattention that leads to harm, damage, or decline. For example, "The old house had fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect" means that no maintenance was done and the building suffered as a result.

Neglect can apply to physical things, like gardens, buildings, or possessions. But it is often used when talking about people, especially children, older adults, or others who are vulnerable. Child neglect is a serious form of abuse in which a parent or caregiver fails to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or proper supervision.

However, you can also neglect duties or responsibilities. "He neglected his studies and failed the exam" means that he did not give enough time or effort to learning. "She neglected to inform me of the change in plans" means that she failed to tell me, whether by carelessness or by not thinking it was important enough.

The word carries a strong sense of disapproval because neglect often leads to negative consequences. It suggests carelessness, lack of responsibility, or failure to act when action was needed. In serious cases, especially when people are involved, the consequences can be severe.

So whether it is a crumbling building, a wilting plant, an unpaid duty, or the well-being of another person, neglect describes a failure to provide needed care and attention, often with damaging results.