dereliction
UK: ˌdɛrɪˈlɪkʃən | US: ˌdɛrɪˈlɪkʃən
n. 1. The act of abandoning or neglecting something, especially a duty or responsibility.
n. 2. The state of being abandoned or left in disrepair.
Derived from Latin derelictio, from derelinquere ("to abandon"), combining de- (indicating reversal or removal) and relinquere ("to leave behind"). The root relict (from relictus, past participle of relinquere) implies something forsaken. Over time, the term evolved to emphasize neglect, particularly in legal and moral contexts (e.g., "dereliction of duty").
The crumbling mansion was a stark example of dereliction.
The soldier was court-martialed for dereliction of duty.
Urban dereliction often leads to increased crime rates.
The landlord faced fines for dereliction of property maintenance.
His dereliction in caring for the project caused its failure.