What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neglected
Example
The garden was neglected and overgrown with weeds. [neglected: adjective]
Example
The child felt neglected by their parents who were always too busy to spend time with them. [neglected: verb]
Example
The old building had been neglected for years and was now in a state of disrepair. [neglected: past participle]
abandoned
Example
The abandoned car had been sitting in the parking lot for weeks. [abandoned: adjective]
Example
The puppy was abandoned by its owner and left to fend for itself. [abandoned: verb]
Example
The town had been abandoned after the disaster and was now a ghost town. [abandoned: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neglected is more commonly used than abandoned in everyday language. Neglected is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abandoned is less common and refers to a more extreme situation of desertion or abandonment.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between neglected and abandoned?
Both neglected and abandoned are associated with a negative connotation and are typically used in informal contexts. However, abandoned may be used in more formal contexts when referring to abandoned property or legal matters.
