'Negligence' definitions:

Definition of 'negligence'

(from WordNet)
noun
Failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances [syn: negligence, carelessness, neglect, nonperformance]
noun
The trait of neglecting responsibilities and lacking concern [syn: negligence, neglect, neglectfulness]

Definition of 'Negligence'

From: GCIDE
  • Negligence \Neg"li*gence\, n. [F. n['e]gligence, L. negligentia.] The quality or state of being negligent; lack of due diligence or care; omission of duty; habitual neglect; heedlessness. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. An act or instance of negligence or carelessness. [1913 Webster]
  • remarking his beauties, . . . I must also point out his negligences and defects. --Blair. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Law) The omission of the care usual under the circumstances, being convertible with the Roman culpa. A specialist is bound to higher skill and diligence in his specialty than one who is not a specialist, and liability for negligence varies acordingly. [1913 Webster]
  • Contributory negligence. See under Contributory. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Neglect; inattention; heedlessness; disregard; slight.
  • Usage: Negligence, Neglect. These two words are freely interchanged in our older writers; but a distinction has gradually sprung up between them. As now generally used, negligence is the habit, and neglect the act, of leaving things undone or unattended to. We are negligent as a general trait of character; we are guilty of neglect in particular cases, or in reference to individuals who had a right to our attentions. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'negligence'

From: Moby Thesaurus