dereliction
deh-ruh-LIK-shun
/ˌderəˈlɪkʃən/
The shameful failure to fulfill one's obligations or duty; the state of being abandoned and dilapidated.
Dereliction is a very serious charge, implying a conscious or highly negligent abandonment of one's professional or moral responsibilities.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'derelictio', which comes from 'derelinquere' (to abandon entirely). This is composed of 'de-' (completely) and 'relinquere' (to leave behind, which is also the source of our word 'relinquish'). It originally referred to land abandoned by the sea, but evolved to mean the abandonment of duty.
Word relationships
- negligence: Negligence is a general legal term for failing to take proper care, while dereliction specifically emphasizes the abandonment of a specific duty.
- delinquency: Delinquency often refers to minor crimes or failures by young people, whereas dereliction is typically used for professional or official failures.
- faithfulness: Faithfulness implies strict adherence to one's duty or promises.
- diligence: Diligence is careful and persistent work or effort.
Commonly confused with
- direction: Direction is guidance or path, while dereliction is the abandonment of duty.
Word family
- derelict (adjective): In a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
- derelict (noun): A person without a home, job, or property.
Collocations
- dereliction of duty
- utter dereliction
- state of dereliction
Example sentences
- "The guard was fired and faced legal charges for dereliction of duty after sleeping through the break-in." A legal charge against a security guard.
Memory hook
'Dereliction' sounds like 'Direction-less'. A dereliction of duty happens when you abandon your direction and responsibilities. Dereliction = Abandoning duty.
When not to use
Do not use dereliction for simple mistakes; it must involve a failure of duty or a physical state of abandonment.
Fun facts
- In maritime law, a 'derelict' is a vessel abandoned at sea without any hope of recovery by its crew.
Related words
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