be derelict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be derelict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of neglect or failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility. Example: "The company was found to be derelict in its duty to ensure employee safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Soon it will be derelict.

The Guardian - Business

Failure to do so, however, would be derelict.

The New York Times

It would be derelict of it not to".

The Guardian

Parents, take caution, but you wouldn't be derelict.

The New York Times

Given the scope of the event, they would be derelict in their duty if they didn't.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, he added, "we would be derelict in our duty if we left it standing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

'We used to be derelicts, man.

The Guardian - Film

But others are derelict.

The Economist

It's derelict, it's fucking derelict".

The Guardian

"Everything was derelict.

The Guardian - Arts

Both were derelict.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be derelict", ensure the context clearly indicates a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility, often resulting in a negative consequence. For instance, in professional settings, it highlights a serious breach of expected conduct.

Common error

Avoid using "be derelict" to describe simple negligence or minor oversights. This phrase carries a weight implying significant failure or abandonment of duty, not just a minor mistake. For instance, "forgetting to send an email" is not usually an instance of "being derelict".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be derelict" primarily functions as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (be). It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating a failure or neglect of duty. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be derelict" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility, often resulting in a negative outcome. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently encountered in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in discussing accountability and negligence. While alternatives like "fail in one's duty" or "be negligent" exist, "be derelict" carries a stronger connotation of abandonment or significant failure. When writing, remember that "be derelict" should be reserved for situations involving serious breaches of duty, not minor mistakes, as Ludwig examples suggest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be derelict in one's duty

Is more specific and formal, directly stating the failure to perform a duty.

fail in one's duty

Focuses specifically on the failure to fulfill an obligation or responsibility, omitting the aspect of abandonment or disrepair.

be negligent

Highlights carelessness or a lack of attention to one's responsibilities, rather than complete abandonment.

fall short in one's obligations

Emphasizes the inadequacy in meeting required duties, differing from the sense of abandonment in "be derelict".

be remiss

Suggests a lapse in fulfilling a duty, with a slightly milder connotation than "be derelict".

neglect one's obligations

Focuses on the act of neglecting, whereas "be derelict" often describes the state resulting from that neglect.

abandon one's responsibilities

Highlights the act of leaving duties behind, removing the nuance of neglect or disrepair associated with "be derelict".

shirk one's duty

Emphasizes the avoidance of responsibility, not necessarily the resulting state of neglect.

be lax

Suggests a relaxed or careless approach, which might lead to dereliction, but doesn't inherently imply the same level of failure.

forsake one's duties

Implies a more active abandonment of responsibilities, contrasting with the potential passivity of "be derelict".

FAQs

How can I use "be derelict" in a sentence?

You can use "be derelict" to describe a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility. For example, "The company was found to be derelict in its duty to ensure employee safety."

What are some alternatives to "be derelict"?

You can use alternatives like "fail in one's duty", "be negligent", or "fall short in one's obligations" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be derelict in their duty" or "fail to fulfill their duty"?

"Be derelict in their duty" is more specific and implies a more serious failure or neglect. "Fail to fulfill their duty" is a broader statement that can encompass a range of reasons for not meeting expectations.

What is the difference between "be derelict" and "be negligent"?

"Be negligent" implies carelessness or a lack of attention to duty, while "be derelict" suggests a more severe failure to perform a duty, often with the implication of abandonment or disregard. "Be negligent" focuses on the act itself, while "be derelict" emphasizes the state resulting from that act.