unvigilant
Definition
Adjective: - Not alert to what is potentially dangerous: The state of being inattentive or not watchful, lacking caution or awareness of possible hazards or threats.
Usage
The adjective "unvigilant" describes a person, group, or state that is not maintaining careful observation or attention, especially regarding safety or security. It is a formal or literary term, often used to critique a lack of preparedness. - It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "was" or "remained"). - It describes a continuous state rather than a momentary lapse.
Examples
- The unvigilant sentry failed to notice the approaching troops.
- A society becomes vulnerable when its citizens are unvigilant about protecting their rights.
- The report criticized the unvigilant attitude of the regulatory agency.
Advanced Usage
- "Unvigilant of": While less common, it can be used to specify the object of inattention.
- He was unvigilant of the subtle changes in the market, leading to significant losses.
Variants and Related Words
- Vigilant (adj): The direct antonym, meaning watchful and alert to danger or difficulty.
- Unwatchful (adj): Similar in meaning, implying a lack of observation.
- Inattentive (adj): Not paying close attention, a more general synonym.
- Negligent (adj): Failing to take proper care, which can be a consequence of being unvigilant.
Synonyms
- Inattentive
- Unwatchful
- Unwary
- Off-guard
- Heedless
Antonyms
- Vigilant
- Watchful
- Alert
- Attentive
- Wary
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Caught off guard: To be surprised or unprepared because one was not being vigilant.
- The sudden question caught the unvigilant speaker off guard.
- Drop one's guard: To become less vigilant or defensive.
- The team dropped its guard in the final minutes and conceded a goal.
Adjective
-
not alert to what is potentially dangerous
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