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How to Say "neglect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

abandono

ah-bahn-DOH-nohaβanˈdono

nounB1general
Use 'abandono' when referring to the complete lack of care or attention, especially concerning people or living things, implying abandonment.
A single, worn-out teddy bear sitting alone on a wooden bench in an empty park.

Examples

El abandono de mascotas es un delito en este país.

The abandonment of pets is a crime in this country.

La casa vieja está en un estado de abandono total.

The old house is in a state of total neglect.

Su abandono de la carrera sorprendió a todos los fans.

His quitting the race surprised all the fans.

Using 'de' with Abandono

When you want to say what is being left behind, use 'de' right after 'abandono'. For example: 'abandono de los estudios' (leaving one's studies).

Abandonment vs. Abandon

Mistake: “Using 'el abandonar' when you mean the noun.”

Correction: Use 'el abandono' for the noun 'abandonment'. Use 'abandonar' only when you need the action word (the verb).

descuido

des-KWEE-dohdesˈkwiðo

nounB2general
Choose 'descuido' when the neglect involves a lack of maintenance or care for inanimate objects, property, or responsibilities, often due to carelessness.
A small wooden garden gate with chipped paint and overgrown tall weeds surrounding it.

Examples

El descuido del jardín es evidente.

The neglect of the garden is obvious.

Su descuido personal preocupa a su familia.

His personal neglect (lack of grooming) worries his family.

La casa se derrumbó debido al descuido de los dueños.

The house collapsed due to the owners' neglect.

Descuido as a State

In this context, 'descuido' refers to a long-term situation (like an old building) rather than a single fast mistake.

olvido

ol-BEE-doholˈbi.ðo

nounB1general
Use 'olvido' for neglect when it means being forgotten or falling into obscurity, rather than a direct lack of care.
A simple figure stands watching as a stylized, bright yellow object, representing a memory, floats away from their open hand and dissolves into soft white mist, symbolizing forgetfulness.

Examples

Su nombre cayó en el olvido después de que se retiró.

His name fell into oblivion after he retired.

El olvido de las llaves fue un problema menor.

The forgetfulness of the keys was a minor problem.

Pido perdón por mi olvido; lo apunté en mi agenda.

I ask for forgiveness for my lapse (of memory); I wrote it down in my planner.

Masculine Noun

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, remember that 'olvido' requires the masculine article: 'el olvido'.

Noun vs. Verb Form

Mistake: “Using 'olvido' when you mean the verb 'olvidar': 'Yo olvido de comprar pan.'”

Correction: 'Olvido' is a noun (the act of forgetting). When you want to say 'I forget,' you use the verb form: 'Yo olvido comprar pan.' (or better, 'Se me olvida...')

Abandono vs. Descuido

Learners often confuse 'abandono' and 'descuido'. Remember that 'abandono' implies a more severe lack of care, often for living beings, while 'descuido' refers to a lack of maintenance or attention, typically for things or places.

Related Translations

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