Descuidar vs. desatender
While both verbs are often translated as "to neglect," they imply different types of negligence. Descuidar focuses on a lack of care, maintenance, or vigilance (carelessness), while desatender focuses on a lack of attention, service, or response to a specific person or duty (disregard).
Descuidar
B1This verb comes from cuidado (care). It means to neglect something by failing to maintain it, letting it deteriorate, or simply getting distracted. It is used when someone stops protecting or looking after the well-being of a person, object, or looking after oneself.
Si descuidas tus plantas, se secarán rápidamente.
(If you neglect your plants, they will dry out quickly.)
Juan empezó a descuidar su apariencia después del divorcio.
(Juan started to neglect his appearance after the divorce.)
No descuides tu equipaje en el aeropuerto.
(Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport.)
Descuidé la leche en el fuego y se derramó.
(I neglected the milk on the stove and it boiled over.)
Desatender
B2This verb comes from atender (to attend/pay attention). It means to neglect by ignoring advice, calls, or requests. It is often used in social or professional contexts where you fail to provide service to someone or disregard an instruction.
El camarero fue despedido por desatender a los clientes.
(The waiter was fired for neglecting the customers.)
Ella decidió desatender los consejos de su médico.
(She decided to disregard her doctor's advice.)
El gobierno no puede desatender las necesidades del pueblo.
(The government cannot neglect the needs of the people.)
Desatendió la llamada porque estaba ocupado.
(He ignored the call because he was busy.)
Summary
Use descuidar when referring to a lack of maintenance, protection, or personal care (sloppiness or distraction). Use desatender when referring to ignoring a person, a duty, or a specific warning (aloofness or refusal to serve).