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unvigilant

unvigilant

8.7
Not watching carefully for danger or problems
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈvɪdʒɪlənt/
translation icon : desatento
  • The security guard was unvigilant and missed the intruder entering the building.

Examples

  • It also shows us how unvigilant one's eye becomes when a presumed documentary photograph is used as mere illustration.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Being unvigilant in such a dangerous area could lead to serious consequences.

  • The team's unvigilant approach to safety regulations resulted in an accident.

Synonyms

negligent
vsunvigilant
58 5.3

Not taking proper care and causing harm or risk

focuses on attention to danger rather than legal or duty-based failure
unsuspecting
vsunvigilant
53 4.2

Not aware that someone might harm or trick you

is broader, meaning low vigilance to dangers beyond mere surprise
careless
vsunvigilant
14 1.0

A lack of attention that causes mistakes or harm

stresses failure to watch for danger rather than general thoughtlessness
unguarded
vsunvigilant
8 5.1

Not careful about what you say or do, so you reveal more than you want

focuses on low alertness rather than physical or defensive exposure
unwary
vsunvigilant
6 6.1

A person who is not careful about danger and is easily tricked

highlights lack of attention to danger rather than simple carelessness
inattentive
vsunvigilant
5 5.3

Does not notice what is happening or small details

emphasizes missing danger specifically rather than general lack of focus
off-guard
vsunvigilant
3 4.9

Not ready or alert when something surprises you

refers more generally to ongoing lack of watchfulness rather than momentary surprise
unmindful
vsunvigilant
1 7.2

Not aware of what is happening around you

is narrower, stressing failure to watch for danger or problems
unobservant
vsunvigilant
1 5.9

You do not notice small details around you

focuses more on missing danger or risks rather than small details
uncareful
vsunvigilant
1 5.7

Someone who does not pay attention and often causes mistakes or harm

is about failing to be watchful for danger rather than careless acts
unwatchful
vsunvigilant
7.3

Not paying attention makes you miss danger or problems

is the same lack of watchfulness but stated more generally
unalert
vsunvigilant
6.9

Not paying attention to danger or what is happening

names the same low attention specifically about danger awareness
unattentive
vsunvigilant
6.5

Not paying attention to what is happening or being said

is about not being watchful for danger rather than only distracted
unperceptive
vsunvigilant
7.3

Not good at noticing or understanding things

relates more to missing danger than to low understanding or insight
unapprehensive
vsunvigilant
9.5

Not aware of danger or risk

is similar but states general unawareness rather than slow reaction
unconscientious
vsunvigilant
8.8

Not careful about doing the right thing

is about lack of alertness to danger, not moral or ethical failings

Antonyms

66 6.0

A person who keeps careful watch for danger or problems

61 3.0

Paying close attention and caring about someone's needs

How Vigilant

vigilant
66 6.0
watchful
37 3.2
unvigilant
8.7
oblivious
76 6.3

Surface Forms

unvigilant positive

Morphology

unvigilant = vigilant (transparent) = un + vigilant

The meaning is directly derived from 'vigilant' with the negating prefix 'un-'.

Etymology

Unvigilant comes from the root vigil, which means 'awake' or 'watch', as in a vigil when people stay awake to keep watch, and the prefix un- means 'not'. So unvigilant is 'not watchful', which explains why it describes someone who is not paying attention to danger or problems.