dereliction Definition
- 1the state of having been abandoned and become dilapidated
- 2the shameful failure to fulfill one's obligations or duties
Using dereliction: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dereliction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The dereliction of the building was evident from the overgrown weeds and broken windows.
Example
The mayor was accused of dereliction of duty for failing to address the city's rising crime rate.
Example
The company's dereliction of environmental regulations resulted in a hefty fine.
Example
The soldier was court-martialed for dereliction of duty.
dereliction Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for dereliction
- neglect
- abandonment
- desertion
- failure
- forsaking
Antonyms for dereliction
Phrases with dereliction
a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations, especially in a professional capacity
Example
The police officer was fired for dereliction of duty.
a failure to provide proper care or attention to someone or something that is under one's responsibility
Example
The nursing home was sued for dereliction of care after several residents were found to be malnourished.
a breach of trust or confidence, especially by failing to fulfill one's obligations or duties
Example
The lawyer was disbarred for dereliction of trust after it was discovered that he had embezzled his clients' funds.
Origins of dereliction
from Latin 'derelictio', meaning 'abandonment'
Summary: dereliction in Brief
The term 'dereliction' [dɪˈrɛlɪkʃən] refers to the state of abandonment and dilapidation, as well as the failure to fulfill one's obligations or duties. Examples include the dereliction of buildings and the dereliction of duty by public officials or professionals. Phrases like 'dereliction of duty' and 'dereliction of care' denote specific types of failures, while idioms are not commonly used with this term. 'Dereliction' can be formal or informal, with synonyms like 'neglect' and 'slacking off.'
