remiss

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "remiss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action or responsibility that was not completed or done properly. For example: "I was remiss in attending to my duties as team captain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But some became more activist, seeking to influence political decisions with petitions, to exercise surveillance over constituted authorities, and to denounce those they deemed remiss.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everyone was remiss.

The New Yorker

I've been remiss in not writing anything about Janet Yellen's nomination to head the Fed; partly that was because I wasn't sure exactly what to say, and how to explain why I and so many other economists are really happy with her selection.

The New York Times

[7 37 p.m. | Updated | I've been remiss in not pointing out the important reporting of Megan McArdle of The Atlantic on the origins of the Heartland files and some of Gleick's statements.

The New York Times

It's not entirely clear whether these doctors are remiss for not speaking up -- or whether the guidelines are unrealistic.

The New York Times

Blaming entails judging the one blamed as morally remiss.

SEP

It would be remiss of me if I did.

The Guardian

These days, it is a matter for chief executives and their boards of directors in almost every type of business (see article).One reason why firms have been so remiss is that data security seems like a costly and boring chore.

The Economist

Having got so far with China, however, bankers will be remiss if they let the misapprehensions fester.

The Economist

Nor has Venezuela been uniquely remiss in failing to save its oil revenues.

The Economist

Meanwhile, for good measure, here is The Economist's original review of Capitalism and Freedom, recently republished.One last thing: the book club will resume tomorrow with a discussion of chapter five.UPDATE: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that only this week Democracy in America discussed both Naomi Klein and Milton Friedman.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remiss" to express a failure in fulfilling a duty or responsibility. Ensure the context clearly indicates what duty was neglected. For instance, "The council was remiss in its duty to maintain the roads."

Common error

Avoid using "remiss" when describing general mistakes or errors. It specifically applies to neglecting a duty or obligation. For example, instead of saying "He was remiss in his calculations", use "He made an error in his calculations" if there was no prior obligation to perform the calculations accurately.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "remiss" functions to attribute fault or failure to an individual or entity for neglecting a duty, responsibility, or obligation. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples illustrating its use in contexts where duties have been unfulfilled. The word indicates a lapse in expected conduct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remiss" is a versatile adjective used to indicate a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and science, with a neutral to formal register. To ensure correct usage, remember that "remiss" specifically applies to the neglect of a duty, not a general error. Alternatives include ""negligent"", "derelict in duty", and "careless", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions will help you convey the precise meaning you intend when discussing failures in responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Negligent

Emphasizes a lack of due care or attention.

Derelict in duty

Specifically highlights a failure to perform one's assigned tasks.

Lax

Suggests a looseness or carelessness in enforcing rules or standards.

Careless

Focuses on a lack of attention or caution.

At fault

Directly assigns blame or responsibility for a failure.

Blameworthy

Indicates deserving of blame or censure.

Delinquent

Implies a failure to meet obligations or expectations, often in a legal or financial context.

Neglectful

Highlights a persistent failure to care for or attend to someone or something.

Irresponsible

Points to a lack of maturity or consideration in one's actions.

Slack

Suggests a lack of diligence or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "remiss" in a sentence?

Use "remiss" to describe someone or something that has failed to fulfill a duty or responsibility. For example, "The government was "remiss" in its response to the crisis."

What's the difference between "negligent" and "remiss"?

"Remiss" specifically implies a failure to fulfill a duty or obligation, while "negligent" ("negligent") suggests a lack of reasonable care, which may or may not involve a specific duty.

What can I say instead of "remiss"?

You can use alternatives such as ""negligent"", "derelict in duty", or "careless depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it correct to say "I am remiss"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "I am remiss" indicates that you acknowledge your failure to fulfill a duty or obligation. For example, "I am "remiss" for not submitting the report on time."