Neglectfulnesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being inattentive or failing to give proper care and attention to someone or something
2. A state wherein one disregards responsibilities or overlooks important duties
3. Characterized by a lack of concern, resulting in the failure to maintain or support necessary actions or relationships

Etymology: This is an inflected form, so it gets a short note. "Neglectfulnesses" is the plural of "neglectfulness," the noun for the quality of being neglectful, and the plural is used when the word means particular lapses in care rather than the general quality. The base noun is formed from "neglectful," an adjective built on "neglect," with the suffix "-ness" added. That suffix is the old Germanic ending that turns an adjective into a noun of quality, and it has been part of English since Old English, where it appeared as "-nes."