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Meaning & use

remiss

adjective, phrase·Advancedformal

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UK/rɪˈmɪs/
US/rɪˈmɪs/

Meanings

  1. adjectiveafter a verbformal

    Careless about a duty, or failing to do something you should have done.

    Grammar: Used after be: you were remiss; often followed by in.

    Patterns

    • be remiss in doing something
    • be remiss about something

    The landlord was remiss in not fixing the heater sooner.

    It would be remiss of me to ignore the warning signs.

    The report called the agency remiss in its inspections.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    Used in the formula 'I would be remiss if I did not...' to introduce something the speaker feels obliged to say.

    Grammar: Polite opener before a thank-you or warning.

    Patterns

    • I would be remiss if I didn't say something

    I would be remiss if I didn't thank everyone who helped.

    We'd be remiss not to mention the budget cuts.

    It would be remiss of me to leave without saying goodbye.

Common combinations

remiss in one's duty
The guard was remiss in his duty that night.
be remiss
I don't want to be remiss, so I'll send the notes today.
would be remiss
I would be remiss to leave out our volunteers.
remiss of me
It was remiss of me not to call.
deeply remiss
The board was deeply remiss in overlooking the audit.

Synonyms and how they differ

negligent
Negligent is stronger and often legal, implying a failure that causes harm.
careless
Careless is everyday and describes lack of attention, not necessarily a failed duty.
lax
Lax suggests a relaxed or too-lenient attitude toward rules.
derelict
Derelict is formal and describes serious failure to carry out a responsibility.

Opposites

diligentconscientiouscareful

Word family

remissness noun
the state of neglecting a duty
remissly adverb
in a careless or negligent manner
remission noun
a period when illness lessens, or cancellation of a debt
remit verb
to send money, or to cancel a penalty

Commonly confused: remiss or remission? remiss or amiss?

remiss vs remission

Remission means an illness easing or a debt being cancelled; remiss describes neglect of duty.

remiss vs amiss

Amiss means wrong or out of order, as in something is amiss; remiss refers to a person failing to act.

Practice

I would be ______ if I didn't mention that the deadline has moved.

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