sheer negligence

USAGE SUMMARY

'sheer negligence' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is an extreme form of carelessness. For example: "The driver was found guilty of causing the accident due to sheer negligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His refusal to show us how events play out comes across as sheer negligence, or indifference.

The New Yorker

"This is a case of sheer negligence and sheer arrogance," Mr. Alamgir said in an interview.

The New York Times

With the same impulse for reduction and sheer negligence he manages to completely mistake Khomeini's participation in a centuries-old Sufi poetic tradition that analogises spiritual ecstasy with material intoxication for some kind of repressed Persian angst.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than 500 people died in the Sampoong Department Store – not because of a gas explosion or a North Korean bomb (two early suspicions) – but because of sheer negligence in construction and maintenance of a building not yet six years old.

The Guardian

There followed centuries of what even the most committed Anglophile must surely accept was often merciless exploitation and cruelty (some deliberate, much through sheer negligence).

BBC

"Opening those gates without blocking off the tunnel and letting another 2,000 people into already crowded pens was sheer negligence and somebody has got to be accountable for it".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Even without complicating factors due to fracking, the sheer number of wells, instigation of earthquakes, or industry negligence, the science of sequestering CO2 underground permanently is also dubious.

Huffington Post

Being the final medical authority in such cases — particularly those involving police brutality or city negligence — can be politically fraught, and, in New York, administrative infighting and sheer population density combine to create a singular institutional challenge.

The New Yorker

In the space of three years, I've seen a huge decline in standards, not through negligence of teachers or even necessarily of management, but through the sheer inability to provide for children with the funds available.

Vice

In the space of three years I've seen a massive decline in standards, not through negligence of teachers or even necessarily of management, but through the sheer inability to provide for children with the funds available.

Vice

More Negligence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sheer negligence", ensure the context clearly demonstrates a high degree of carelessness that has significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer negligence" for minor errors or oversights. Reserve it for situations where the carelessness is extreme and has serious repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer negligence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It intensifies the concept of negligence, emphasizing its extreme nature. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer negligence" is a noun phrase that describes extreme carelessness with significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct. Its usage is uncommon, found primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts. It's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations involving a high degree of carelessness leading to severe repercussions and not to overuse it for minor mistakes. Semantically similar phrases include "utter carelessness" and "gross oversight". The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, often used to express disapproval or condemnation of the actions being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter carelessness

Focuses on the complete lack of care or attention.

gross oversight

Highlights a significant and unacceptable failure to notice or prevent something.

complete dereliction of duty

Emphasizes the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations.

blatant disregard

Highlights an obvious and intentional lack of attention or respect.

pure recklessness

Focuses on the disregard for safety and potential consequences.

absolute irresponsibility

Emphasizes the complete lack of accountability or responsible behavior.

inexcusable neglect

Highlights that the failure to care for something is not able to be forgiven.

unforgivable sloppiness

Focuses on the careless and untidy nature of the action, emphasizing that it is not forgivable.

criminal inattention

Highlights that the negligence is potentially so severe to be considered a crime.

plain indifference

Highlights the apparent total lack of interest in the matter at hand.

FAQs

How can "sheer negligence" be used in a sentence?

You can use "sheer negligence" to describe a situation where there is a high degree of carelessness with severe consequences, such as: "The accident was caused by the driver's "sheer negligence"."

What is a good alternative to "sheer negligence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "utter carelessness", "gross oversight", or "blatant disregard".

What distinguishes "sheer negligence" from ordinary negligence?

"Sheer negligence" implies a greater degree of carelessness and a higher likelihood of significant negative outcomes compared to simple "negligence".

Is "sheer negligence" a formal or informal term?

"Sheer negligence" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is most often seen in legal, news, and professional writing. Its use depends on the intended audience and purpose.