These words have to do with failure to give proper attention and care where it is due, and they are all condemnatory. Neglect and negligence are sometimes not clearly discriminated as to meaning, but neglect refers more to the act and negligence to the quality or trait of character of a person who is careless and irresponsible in his actions and attitudes. Of the two, neglect is the stronger word. Neglect of one’s appearance suggests slovenliness, while negligence as to one’s appearance indicates rather a lack of concern for style or smartness. A child may suffer from parental neglect , but it is negligence on the part of the parents if the child is improperly cared for. In law, negligence is a violation of the obligation to take care and caution in what one does, especially when it involves the rights and safety of other people. A driver who knowingly operates a car with faulty brakes is guilty of gross negligence .

Dereliction carries a sense of greater culpability than do either neglect or negligence , because dereliction is a deliberate and reprehensible neglect of a responsibility, rather than merely a careless one. A surgeon who performs an operation while intoxicated is guilty of dereliction of duty.

Thoughtlessness strongly implies oversight rather than wilful neglect. People who are usually careful to think before they act or speak may occasionally be guilty of thoughtlessness . Others through lack of imagination or understanding of the needs and feelings of other people are to be blamed for thoughtlessness when they habitually cause irritation or displeasure without appearing to realize it.