remiss

Word relationships

• negligent: Negligent is a formal legal term that implies liability for damages, while remiss is a milder, more polite term of social or professional disapproval.
• derelict: Derelict implies a shameful, total abandonment of duty, whereas remiss is usually a temporary or less severe lapse in attention.

• scrupulous: Extremely attentive to details; very concerned to avoid doing wrong.
• conscientious: Wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.

Commonly confused with

• amiss: Amiss is an adjective meaning 'wrong' or 'out of place' (e.g., 'something is amiss'), while remiss describes a person who is neglecting their duty.

Word family

• remissness (noun): Negligence or carelessness in performing duties.

Collocations

• remiss in
• would be remiss
• highly remiss

Example sentences

• "I would be remiss if I did not thank our generous sponsors before we begin the ceremony." Professional Courtesy
• "The supervisor was remiss in her duties for failing to report the safety hazard immediately." Performance Review

Memory hook

Think of 're-miss'. If you 'miss' doing your duty 'repeatedly' (re-), you are being 'remiss'. If you repeatedly miss your duties, you are remiss.

When not to use

Do not use to describe physical objects or structural failures; it refers specifically to a person's behavior or attention to duty.

Fun facts

• The word 'remiss' is closely related to 'remission' (as in the remission of sins or a disease), which both come from the idea of letting go or releasing a hold.

Related words

negligent, culpable

Explore more words

inattention, dereliction, omission, negligence, remonstrate, heedless