remiss
What does "remiss" mean?
To be "remiss" means to be neglectful or careless in one's duties or responsibilities. Imagine a security guard who leaves the gate unlocked or a student who forgets to turn in a major assignment; they have failed to show the level of care or attention that was expected of them. This word is almost exclusively used in formal or professional contexts, often when someone is being held accountable for a mistake. It is frequently paired with "in" (e.g., "remiss in my duties") and carries a weight of professional disappointment rather than just simple forgetfulness.
"remiss" in conversation
Work performance review
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the errors in the quarterly report.
It would be a failure of my duty if I didn't point out the mistakes in the report.
I apologize, I was rushing to meet the deadline.
I'm sorry, I was hurrying to finish on time.
Used here to introduce a necessary but uncomfortable point of criticism.
A host apologizing
I have been remiss in keeping you updated on the project status.
I have been negligent in providing you with project updates.
Don't worry, I know how busy you've been.
Don't worry, I understand you are busy.
A polite way to admit that you failed to fulfill an obligation.
"remiss" in a sentence
It would be remiss of me to ignore your hard work.
It would be a failure of my duty to ignore your hard work.
The committee was found to be remiss in its oversight of the budget.
The committee was determined to have been neglectful in monitoring the budget.
He was remiss in his duties, leading to a significant delay in the production schedule.
He was careless regarding his responsibilities, which caused a major delay in the schedule.
