remiss

1 of 2

adjective

re·​miss ri-ˈmis How to pronounce remiss (audio)
Synonyms of remiss
1
: negligent in the performance of work or duty : careless
2
: showing neglect or inattention : lax
remissly adverb
remissness noun

remissness

2 of 2

noun

re·​miss·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being remiss

Synonyms of remiss

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Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for remiss

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness.

negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

Examples of remiss in a Sentence

Adjective It would be remiss of me if I did not share with you the vital role God has played in my recovery. —Jennifer Howard, Undoing Time, 2001
But if we do not address these complexities in the public arena, and in ways that are spatially theoretically grounded, we will be remiss in carrying out our scholarly and civic responsibilities. —Saul B. Cohen, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, December 1991
"Well, Sally, I'm in fault, and I acknowledge it; I've been remiss; but I won't let tomorrow go by without stopping up them holes." —Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
There was a spirit of abundance and joy, too; that can’t be remiss. — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025 Now, for the dominance I’d be remiss not to name some All-Stars from Regionals, as there were a handful of teams and players who showed up when the lights were brightest. — Molly Keshin, New York Times, 19 May 2026 But one exploring the historical sites and beauty of the United States would be remiss to fly over the significance of Middle America. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 Any visitor would be remiss not to order the iconic Oaxaca Old-Fashioned, which popularized mezcal in the United States. — Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for remiss

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English remisse, borrowed from Latin remissus "relaxed, free from constraint, casual, lenient," from past participle of remittere "to send back, release, relax, ease off" — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of remiss was in the 15th century

Rhymes for remiss

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Browse Nearby Words

remise
remiss
remissibility
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remiss. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

remiss

adjective
re·​miss ri-ˈmis How to pronounce remiss (audio)
1
: careless in the performance of work or duty
remiss in paying one's bills
2
: showing neglect or lack of attention
service at the restaurant was remiss
remissly adverb
remissness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on remiss

Nglish: Translation of remiss for Spanish Speakers

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