gross negligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross negligence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal contexts or discussions about serious carelessness that leads to harm or damage. For example, "The company was found liable for gross negligence in maintaining safety standards." Alternative expressions include "severe negligence" and "extreme carelessness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This clearly was beyond gross negligence.

The Guardian

BP is appealing the gross negligence finding.

The New York Times

It charged him with gross negligence and revoked his license.

The New Yorker

Failure to do so would be tantamount to gross negligence.

Independent

By not imposing punitive damages simply based on gross negligence.

Harvard University

"The coroner resisted a finding of gross negligence manslaughter".

The Guardian

The government has gone from gross negligence to rank incompetence.

The Guardian

Muzzafar has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and gross negligence.

The Guardian

She later admitted vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

The Guardian

Was Clinton guilty of "gross negligence" in handling state secrets?

The Washington Post

That would be gross negligence on McGahn's behalf.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross negligence", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates a severe deviation from reasonable care, highlighting a reckless disregard for the safety or well-being of others.

Common error

Avoid using "gross negligence" when the situation only involves simple carelessness or a minor oversight. "Gross negligence" requires a significantly higher degree of culpability and a blatant disregard for potential harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross negligence" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of conduct involving extreme carelessness, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

17%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross negligence" is a noun phrase denoting a severe form of carelessness. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in legal and news contexts. It's crucial to differentiate it from ordinary negligence, as it implies a far greater degree of culpability. Related phrases include "reckless disregard" and "willful misconduct", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using the phrase, ensure that the context justifies the gravity of the term. Failing to act responsibly could be "gross negligence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial negligence

Emphasizes the significant deviation from the standard of care, implying a considerable degree of fault.

culpable negligence

Highlights the blameworthiness of the negligent act, suggesting a significant departure from reasonable care.

extreme carelessness

Highlights the significant lack of attention or caution, indicating a high probability of harm.

palpable negligence

Highlights how obvious and easily noticeable the act of negligence was.

reckless disregard

Emphasizes the conscious indifference to a known risk, suggesting a higher degree of culpability than simple negligence.

egregious neglect

Emphasizes the shocking or appalling nature of the neglect, suggesting a flagrant disregard for duty.

willful misconduct

Implies an intentional or deliberate act of wrongdoing, often involving a violation of rules or standards.

serious dereliction of duty

Focuses on the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities, highlighting the gravity of the omission.

criminal negligence

Indicates a level of negligence so severe that it warrants criminal charges, often involving a risk of death or serious injury.

wanton disregard

Suggests a reckless and malicious indifference to the welfare of others.

FAQs

What is the legal definition of "gross negligence"?

"Gross negligence" is a severe form of negligence involving a conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which is likely to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm to persons, property, or both.

How does "gross negligence" differ from ordinary negligence?

Ordinary negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care, while "gross negligence" implies a substantially greater degree of carelessness, demonstrating a reckless disregard for the safety of others. The difference is one of degree, with gross negligence representing a more extreme departure from the standard of care.

What are some potential consequences of being found guilty of "gross negligence"?

Consequences can include civil lawsuits, leading to significant financial penalties, and in some cases, criminal charges such as manslaughter, depending on the severity of the harm caused by the negligent act.

What are some alternatives to the expression "gross negligence"?

You can use alternatives like "reckless disregard", "willful misconduct", or "culpable negligence", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.