Origin: Latin suffix -ence
Negligence has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances
"The driver was found guilty of negligence because he failed to slow down despite seeing children playing near the road."
the trait of neglecting responsibilities and lacking concern
"The manager's negligence was evident when he ignored safety protocols while prioritizing his own profits."
The state of being negligent.
"The court ruled that the accident was caused by sheer negligence on the part of the driver."
In plain English: Negligence is when you fail to act carefully enough and end up hurting someone else through carelessness.
"His negligence in checking the brakes caused the car accident."
The word negligence comes from the Latin neglegentia, which entered English via Old French and Middle English. It originally carried the meaning of failing to give proper attention or care.