dereliction Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a tendency to be negligent and uncaring
    delinquency; willful neglect.
    • he inherited his delinquency from his father
    • his derelictions were not really intended as crimes
    • his adolescent protest consisted of willful neglect of all his responsibilities
  2. noun willful negligence

WordNet

Der`e*lic"tion noun
Etymology
L. derelictio.
Definitions
  1. The act of leaving with an intention not to reclaim or resume; an utter forsaking abandonment.
    Cession or dereliction, actual or tacit, of other powers. Burke.
  2. A neglect or omission as if by willful abandonment.
    A total dereliction of military duties. Sir W. Scott.
  3. The state of being left or abandoned.
  4. (Law) A retiring of the sea, occasioning a change of high-water mark, whereby land is gained.

Webster 1913