What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
negligence
Example
The company was sued for negligence after a customer was injured on their premises. [negligence: noun]
Example
The nurse was accused of negligence for failing to administer the correct medication. [negligence: noun]
dereliction
Example
The landlord was charged with dereliction of duty for failing to make necessary repairs to the building. [dereliction: noun]
Example
The company was accused of dereliction of responsibility for not properly disposing of hazardous waste. [dereliction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Negligence is more commonly used than dereliction in everyday language. Negligence is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dereliction is more formal and less common.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between negligence and dereliction?
Dereliction is a more formal word than negligence. It is typically used in legal or professional contexts and may not be as appropriate for casual conversation.