Inklingo

How to Say "neglect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

abandono

/ah-bahn-DOH-noh//aβanˈdono/

nounB1general
Use 'abandono' when referring to the state of something or someone being left without care or attention, often implying abandonment or dereliction.
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).

olvido

/ol-BEE-doh//olˈbi.ðo/

nounB1general
Use 'olvido' when 'neglect' means a failure to remember or a lapse in attention, leading to something or someone being forgotten.
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. Olvido

Learners often confuse 'abandono' and 'olvido'. Remember that 'abandono' specifically refers to a lack of care or being left behind, while 'olvido' is about forgetting or a lapse in memory/attention.

Related Translations

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