déréliction
/de.ʁe.lik.sjɔ̃/
Dereliction in French is déréliction.
The term déréliction refers to the willful neglect of one's duty.
Meaning: willful neglect of one's duty (noun)
Which one should you use?
While déréliction describes the neglect itself, you may also use the formal terms La négligence to mean negligence or Le manquement to refer to an omission or failure.
How do you pronounce it?
The word déréliction has 4 syllables and is pronounced /de.ʁe.lik.sjɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French law, déréliction specifically refers to the act of abandoning a piece of property with the intent to give up ownership forever.
- While déréliction sounds like 'dereliction', a French speaker would typically use the word abandon to describe a derelict building or a deserted place.
- In certain philosophical texts, déréliction is used to describe a state of spiritual or existential abandonment, mirroring the English 'spiritual dereliction'.
Examples in context
- Le manquement du gouvernement à protéger l'environnement est extrêmement préoccupant.The government's dereliction in protecting the environment is extremely concerning.
- Son laxisme permanent nuit à l'efficacité de l'équipe.His constant negligence undermines the team's effectiveness.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a coworker's poor performance.
- LucasLucas a complètement ignoré ses responsabilités.Lucas completely ignored his responsibilities.
- ChloéC'est une déréliction totale de son poste.It is a total dereliction of his post.
- LucasLe patron va être très en colère.The boss is going to be very angry.
- ChloéIl risque d'être licencié pour cela.He risks being fired for that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry déréliction, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
