Neglected
/nɪˈɡlɛktɪd/
adjectiveverbB2past tense, past participle
Definition
Neglected describes when someone or something is not properly cared for or looked after. It can mean ignoring duties or forgetting to give attention, which can cause problems or harm. This word often talks about people, animals, places, or tasks that need care but do not get it.
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See It in Action
Past tense of neglect (verb) – to fail to care for or pay attention to something or someone
- •She neglected her homework and got a bad grade.
- •They neglected the garden, so the flowers died.
- •He neglected to call his friend for a long time.
Describing something or someone not cared for or looked after (adjective)
- •The neglected dog looked thin and sad.
- •The neglected building was full of broken windows.
- •Children who feel neglected may act out to get attention.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "neglected" like "forgotten," but with a stronger feeling that something important was left alone and not cared for.
- ✓Picture a garden with plants that have no water or sunlight and start to look dry and weak.
- ✓It's the sad feeling when you see a pet or a child who doesn’t get enough love or attention.
- ✓Sounds like "neck-LECT-ed" → Imagine someone turning their neck away to avoid looking, meaning they ignore or leave something behind.
- ✓Think of stories where a house is empty and dusty because no one lives there or cleans it.
- ✓NOT like "ignored" (which means paying no attention sometimes by choice), "neglected" means a lack of care that causes harm or damage.
- ✓NOT like "broken" (something is damaged), "neglected" means the damage happened because no one took care of it.
- ✓NOT like "forgotten" (simply not remembered), "neglected" often means active failure to care or maintain.
Try Other Words
- •Ignored: paying no attention (Use when someone chooses not to notice but no harm may happen)
- •Abandoned: left completely alone and empty (Use when something or someone is left without any help or company)
- •Overlooked: missed or not noticed (Use when something is missed by mistake, not because of carelessness)
- •Forgotten: not remembered (Use when something or someone is simply not remembered, without the meaning of harm)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "neg-" means no or not (from Latin "negare" = to deny)
- •Root: "lect" comes from Latin "legere" meaning to choose or pick
- •Suffix: "-ed" shows past tense or describes a state
- •Etymology: From Latin "neglectus," meaning "not chosen" or "ignored"
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to describe failure to care or pay attention
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe poor care of people, animals, places, or duties
Reflect & Connect
•How can neglect affect people differently than objects or places?
•What are some ways to notice if something or someone is being neglected in your life or community?
Fill in the blanks
1.The old house was neglected for years, so the roof ___ and the walls became weak.
2.She neglected her health by not ___ enough sleep or exercise.
3.When a child feels neglected, they might ___ attention in other ways.
4.Unlike being ignored, neglected means there is a ___ to care or maintain something.
5.The garden looked neglected because no one had ___ it during the summer.
6.Neglected animals often need ___ and special care to recover.
7.If you neglect your homework, you might ___ your grades to fall.