negligencia
“negligencia” means “negligence” in Spanish (General lack of care or failure to take proper action).
negligence
Also: carelessness, malpractice
📝 In Action
El incendio fue causado por una negligencia.
A2The fire was caused by negligence.
El abogado presentó una demanda por negligencia médica.
B2The lawyer filed a lawsuit for medical malpractice.
No podemos tolerar este nivel de negligencia en el trabajo.
C1We cannot tolerate this level of carelessness at work.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: negligencia
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the most common use of 'negligencia'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'negligentia', which comes from 'neg-' (not) and 'legere' (to pick up or choose). Essentially, it means 'not picking up' or failing to look after something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'negligencia' used in casual conversation?
Not usually. If you forget your keys, you would say 'fue un descuido' (it was a slip-up). 'Negligencia' sounds very serious, like something you would hear in a court case.
What is the difference between 'descuido' and 'negligencia'?
'Descuido' is a simple mistake or oversight. 'Negligencia' implies a bigger failure of responsibility or duty.
Does Spanish have a verb for 'to neglect'?
Yes, but we don't say 'negligir' often. Usually, we use 'descuidar' or 'desatender'.