an utter neglect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an utter neglect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a complete or total disregard for something or someone. Example: "The report highlighted an utter neglect of safety protocols in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is an act of utter neglect and cruelty.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This utter neglect of duty, a daily snub at the people who work to protect us, the first Commander-in-Chief to literally be AWOL and announcing proudly he isn't going to change – this, I assure you, is going to get a lot of innocent people killed," he wrote.

The Guardian - Film

"This is appalling". But where Locatell sees evidence of "utter neglect," Dr. John Fullerton sees a condition called "terminal skin failure". Fullerton, a geriatrician and the defense's expert witness, explains to the jury what happens when someone like Lopez loses more than half her body weight.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Shepard advocates an agronomical method he calls STUN, for "Sheer, Total, Utter Neglect".

The New York Times

Mr Jehani said Libya's infrastructure was in a poor state even before the revolution because of "utter neglect".

BBC

On Monday, UNICEF warned that Yemen would suffer another deadly cholera outbreak within months, and pointed to both sides' utter neglect for civilians and children as a driving cause.

Vice

"It was an area with no real strategic value, no national interests, subject to utter neglect and indifference in Washington.

The New Yorker

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 1.25pm GMT In this video, campaigner Julie Bailey talks about the treatment received by her mother at Stafford hospital, telling of the staff's "utter neglect" while her mother was in their care.

The Guardian

Guy Shrubsole, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "Protecting British households from the destructive impacts of climate change is the ultimate public good; for government to slash protection with no guarantee of businesses picking up the tab instead is utter neglect.

The Guardian

With utter neglect of existing private industries like agriculture, and with reallocation of resources and wealth through centralized planning, the Venezuelan government has managed to bring hunger to its people.

Forbes

This was to be the third school constructed in the colony of Vancouver Island, following Governor James Douglas' call "to give a proper moral and religious training to the children of the settlers who are growing up in ignorance and the utter neglect of all their duties to God and society".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an utter neglect" to emphasize the severity and completeness of the neglect being described. It is particularly effective when highlighting a moral or ethical failing.

Common error

Avoid using "an utter neglect" when describing minor oversights or simple mistakes. The phrase implies a profound and unacceptable level of inattention or dereliction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an utter neglect" functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" intensifies the noun "neglect". It serves to describe a state of extreme carelessness or dereliction. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in contexts requiring emphasis on severity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an utter neglect" is a valid and impactful way to describe a profound lack of attention or care. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While not exceedingly common, its usage in news and formal contexts lends it a serious tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of its weight and ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation you are describing. Consider alternative phrases like "complete negligence" or "total disregard" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete negligence

Replaces "utter neglect" with synonyms emphasizing the completeness and severity of the neglect.

total disregard

Substitutes "neglect" with "disregard" to highlight a lack of consideration or respect.

sheer dereliction of duty

Emphasizes a failure to fulfill obligations or responsibilities.

gross oversight

Focuses on a significant and unacceptable failure to notice or prevent something.

blatant lack of care

Highlights the obvious and unacceptable absence of attention or concern.

flagrant abandonment

Stresses the open and scandalous nature of the neglect, suggesting a deliberate desertion.

criminal indifference

Highlights the severity of neglect, implying a level of carelessness that borders on illegality.

willful negligence

The neglect is intentional and deliberate, not accidental.

profound inattention

Replaces "utter neglect" with its respective synonyms. This implies a deep and significant lack of attention.

systematic neglect

The neglect is not isolated, but part of a larger, ongoing pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "an utter neglect" in a sentence?

You can use "an utter neglect" to emphasize a complete lack of care or attention towards something or someone. For instance, "The investigation revealed "a complete disregard" for safety regulations at the factory."

What phrases are similar to "an utter neglect"?

Similar phrases include "complete negligence", "total disregard", and "gross oversight". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "an utter neglect"?

It is appropriate to use "an utter neglect" when you want to strongly criticize a situation where someone has failed to provide necessary care, attention, or resources. It suggests a serious and unacceptable level of dereliction.

Is "utter neglect" formal or informal?

The phrase "utter neglect" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in informal settings, it carries a weight and critical tone more suited to formal reports, news articles, or serious discussions. For less serious conversation, consider lighter alternatives.