Neglectful means failing to take proper care of someone or something that depends on you. A neglectful pet owner might forget to feed their dog or leave it outside in bad weather. Neglectful parents don't give their children the attention, care, or supervision they need.

The word describes a pattern of regularly ignoring responsibilities or not paying attention to important needs. Being neglectful means repeatedly failing to meet obligations over time. A neglectful gardener lets plants wither from lack of water. A neglectful friend repeatedly cancels plans and never asks how you're doing.

People can also be neglectful of their own needs and health, like a student who stays up too late every night and skips breakfast, or someone who ignores a persistent cough instead of seeing a doctor.

The word carries weight because neglect causes real harm. When you're responsible for something, whether it's a classroom hamster, your homework, or a younger sibling you're watching, neglectful behavior means not living up to that responsibility. It's different from making an occasional mistake: neglect is a pattern of not caring enough or not paying attention when it matters.