The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

dereliction

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dereliction

The act of neglecting or abandoning a duty or responsibility.
"The soldier was court-martialed for dereliction of duty for deserting his post."

Detailed meaning of dereliction

This can include neglecting one's own responsibilities, or neglecting the responsibilities that come with a particular job or position. Dereliction can also refer to the state of being neglected or abandoned, such as a derelict building that has been abandoned and left to fall into disrepair. The term is often used in the context of legal or moral obligations, and suggests a failure to fulfill one's duties or to meet the standards of conduct. Dereliction can also refer to the act of deserting or forsaking a place, duty, or post, also can be associated with a moral failure or neglect. In some cases, dereliction can be punishable under law, such as in cases of dereliction of duty in the military.

Example sentences containing dereliction

1. The CEO's dereliction of duty led to the company's financial downfall.
2. The government was accused of dereliction in its response to the natural disaster.
3. The parents' dereliction in supervising their children resulted in the accident.
4. The employee's dereliction of responsibility led to a major mistake in the project.
5. The city council was criticized for dereliction of their duties in maintaining public safety.
6. The homeowner's dereliction of care caused damage to the property.

History and etymology of dereliction

The noun 'dereliction' has its roots in Latin, particularly from the word 'derelinquere,' which is formed by combining 'de,' meaning 'down from' or 'away from,' and 'relinquere,' meaning 'to leave' or 'to abandon.' In Latin, 'derelinquere' conveyed the idea of leaving something behind or forsaking it. As the term transitioned into English, it became 'dereliction,' describing the act of neglecting or abandoning a duty, responsibility, or obligation. To be guilty of dereliction is to fall short of one's expected or required actions, often resulting in the abandonment or neglect of important tasks or obligations. The etymology of 'dereliction' underscores the notion of leaving something behind or forsaking it, emphasizing the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities.

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Further usage examples of dereliction

1. The teacher's dereliction in grading the exams resulted in confusion among the students.
2. The captain's dereliction of his navigational duties caused the ship to run aground.
3. The company was fined for dereliction of their environmental responsibilities.
4. The doctor was sued for dereliction of medical care in the patient's treatment.
5. The manager's dereliction in following proper procedures led to the loss of confidential data.
6. The dereliction of duty by the police officer resulted in a serious breach of security.
7. He was charged with dereliction of duty for failing to perform his responsibilities.
8. The dereliction of the building was a safety hazard for the community.
9. The dereliction of the factory led to environmental pollution and harm to local residents.
10. The dereliction of the property was a result of the owner's neglect.
11. He was fired for dereliction of duty for his lack of attention to important details.
12. The dereliction of the ship was a major factor in the accident.
13. The dereliction of the hospital was a major concern for the patients' safety and care.
14. The manager faced consequences for his dereliction of duty.
15. Dereliction in maintenance led to the building's deterioration.
16. The dereliction of their promises disappointed the team.
17. Legal action followed the dereliction of contractual obligations.
18. Public outcry arose due to the mayor's dereliction of trust.
19. The captain was relieved of duty for dereliction in navigation.
20. Dereliction in parenting can have lasting effects on children.
21. The court held the company accountable for environmental dereliction.
22. Dereliction of safety protocols resulted in accidents at the factory.
23. Government officials were investigated for dereliction of ethics.
24. Dereliction of moral values can erode the fabric of society.