1
Core quality
Careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
Example
The agency was remiss in failing to inspect the bridge.
remiss
/rɪˈmɪs/ · rih-MISSadjective
Careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
Use remiss to express this relationship precisely: careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
What remiss Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
I would be remiss if I ignored the earlier research.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Managers were remiss in their duty to report the hazard.
Use remiss Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The agency was remiss in failing to inspect the bridge.
I would be remiss if I ignored the earlier research.
Managers were remiss in their duty to report the hazard.
Precision Matters
Remiss overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
remiss
vs.Means careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
negligent
Means failing to exercise the care, attention, or responsibility that a situation requires.
remiss
vs.Means careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
complacent
Means excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
remiss
vs.Means careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
scrupulous
Means extremely careful about details, accuracy, or ethical correctness.
remiss
vs.Means careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
prudent
Means showing careful, wise judgment about risks, consequences, and future needs.
Test remiss in Context
Failing to verify the claim would neglect an important professional duty.
1
The editor would be ___ not to verify such an extraordinary claim before publication.