How to Use "Remiss" in a Sentence Correctly
How to Use "Remiss" in a Sentence
"Remiss" is an adjective meaning negligent or careless about fulfilling a responsibility. It describes someone who has failed to do something they should have done, and it almost always implies a sense of duty or obligation.
What "Remiss" Means
If someone is remiss, they have neglected a task or responsibility that was expected of them. The word carries a tone of mild to moderate criticism, suggesting carelessness rather than intentional wrongdoing.
Example Sentences
Here are several ways "remiss" appears in natural English:
- I would be remiss if I didn't mention the contributions of the volunteer team.
- The manager was remiss in failing to notify staff about the schedule change.
- It would be remiss of us to ignore the warning signs in the data.
- She felt remiss for not sending a thank-you note after the interview.
- The safety inspector was remiss in his duties, overlooking several code violations.
The Most Common Pattern
The phrase "I would be remiss if I didn't" is by far the most frequent construction you will encounter. It functions as a polite way to introduce something important that might otherwise go unsaid.
- I would be remiss if I didn't thank everyone who made this event possible.
- We would be remiss if we didn't address the budget shortfall before the next quarter.
This phrasing works well in speeches, formal emails, and professional settings.
Grammar Notes
"Remiss" is always an adjective, never a verb or noun. It typically follows a linking verb (be, feel, seem) and pairs with specific prepositions:
- Remiss in (doing something): He was remiss in checking the equipment.
- Remiss of (someone): It was remiss of her to skip the safety briefing.
- Remiss about (something): They were remiss about updating the records.
All three prepositions are correct, though "in" is the most standard in formal writing.
What "Remiss" Does Not Mean
"Remiss" does not mean forgiving, lenient, or relaxed. That confusion sometimes arises because "remiss" sounds like "remission" (a reduction or pardon), but the two words have different meanings. "Remiss" is always about negligence, not leniency.
Alternatives to "Remiss"
If "remiss" feels too formal for your context, consider these substitutes:
- Negligent - stronger, often used in legal contexts
- Careless - more casual, broadly understood
- Derelict (in one's duties) - very formal, implies serious neglect
- Lax - casual, suggests looseness in standards
When to Use "Remiss"
"Remiss" fits best in professional, academic, or semiformal writing where you want to express that someone has fallen short of an expected responsibility. It adds a note of formality without sounding overly stiff, making it a good fit for workplace emails, speeches, and reports.
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