Definition
玩忽职守 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to neglect one's duty' or 'to be derelict in one's responsibilities'. It is a formal, often legal term used to describe serious negligence in an official or professional role — not just being lazy, but failing to perform duties that one is legally or contractually obligated to carry out. You'll see it in news reports about officials being disciplined or in workplace regulations. Unlike separable verbs, this idiom is not split; it functions as a single verb phrase.
v.o.
to neglect one's dutydereliction of duty (formal/legal term)
Examples
- 玩忽职守。Tā yīnwèi wán hū zhí shǒu bèi gōngsī kāichú le.He was fired by the company for dereliction of duty.
- 玩忽职守。Zhè míng guānyuán yīn wán hū zhí shǒu shòudào le yánlì chǔfèn.This official received severe punishment for neglecting his duty.
- 玩忽职守。wán hū zhí shǒu shì yì zhǒng yánzhòng de zhíyè cuòwù.Neglecting one's duty is a serious professional mistake.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.