Remiss

Remiss describes a person or action that is negligent, careless, or failing in duty. It implies a lack of attention to a responsibility or a failure to perform a required task, often with an implication of blameworthiness. The word suggests a culpable neglect, a shirking of one's obligations, whether professional, personal, or moral. It can also refer to something lacking in attention or effort, therefore falling short of the expected standard. The consequences of being remiss can vary depending on the context, ranging from minor inconvenience to significant repercussions.

Remiss meaning with examples

• The security guard was remiss in his duties, failing to check IDs at the entrance, allowing unauthorized access to the building. This lapse in judgment led to several incidents and a serious breach of security, which could have been prevented with proper diligence. The company is now facing significant liability for the security breach because of this negligent behavior.
• She was remiss in contacting her family after promising to keep in touch. Her relatives worried for days, as they had not heard any updates about her trip. Her thoughtlessness was a source of great anxiety, causing unnecessary worry and distress to her parents and siblings. She regretted her oversight and tried to make amends.
• The teacher was remiss in grading the assignments, leaving students in suspense about their scores. Her failure to provide timely feedback made it difficult for students to learn. She had promised to do it by the end of the week, yet several weeks went by. The students did not have a clear view of their progress.
• The company was remiss in its environmental practices, not taking the necessary steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The failure to follow the company's own policies had resulted in ecological problems, which caused a global concern. The corporation was heavily criticized by environmental organizations and consumers for its actions.
• The detective was remiss in pursuing the leads, allowing the suspect to escape. His negligence in the investigation allowed the criminal to disappear, resulting in a missed chance to capture the alleged felon. His colleagues said he was not focused on his job and showed no sense of urgency.