Dereliction

Pronunciation: /dɛrəˈlɪkʃən/

Definitions of dereliction

noun the act of neglecting or abandoning something, often resulting in deterioration or disrepair

Example Sentences

A1 The dereliction of duty by the security guard led to a break-in at the store.

A2 The abandoned house showed signs of dereliction with broken windows and overgrown weeds.

B1 The dereliction of the building was evident in its crumbling facade and peeling paint.

B2 The CEO was fired for dereliction of his responsibilities, causing a major setback for the company.

C1 The government was accused of dereliction of its duty to provide adequate healthcare to its citizens.

C2 The dereliction of ethics in the business world has led to numerous scandals and public distrust.

Examples of dereliction in a Sentence

formal The dereliction of duty by the government officials led to a breakdown in public services.

informal The dereliction of their responsibilities caused chaos in the office.

slang The boss's dereliction of his promises really ticked off the team.

figurative Her dereliction of hope left her feeling lost and alone.

Grammatical Forms of dereliction

• plural: derelictions
• comparative: more derelict
• superlative: most derelict
• present tense: derelicts
• future tense: will derelict
• perfect tense: have derelicted
• continuous tense: is derelicting
• singular: dereliction
• positive degree: derelict
• infinitive: to derelict
• gerund: derelicting
• participle: derelicted

Origin and Evolution of dereliction

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'dereliction' originated from the Latin word 'derelictio', which means abandonment or forsaking.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'dereliction' has retained its original meaning of abandonment or neglect, but has also come to be used in a legal context to refer to the act of abandoning one's duties or responsibilities.