Remission vs. Remiss — What's the Difference?

Remission is often used in medical contexts to describe the reduction or disappearance of the signs and symptoms of a disease, indicating a period where the condition is under control. While remission suggests a positive turn in health or the alleviation of a problem, remiss points to a negative attribute of a person or an action, denoting a lack of attention or diligence towards responsibilities or duties. In the case of remission, the focus is on a change in state, often towards improvement or recovery. On the other hand, being remiss is about a failure to act with the required care or attention, reflecting on one's conduct or performance.

While remission can apply to various conditions, including chronic illnesses and cancers, indicating a temporary or permanent decrease in severity, remiss is strictly related to behavior and action. Remission brings hope and a sense of relief, signifying that a disease is becoming less active or severe, whereas being remiss often results in guilt or repercussions due to the neglect of duties or carelessness.

Remission can be partial or complete, with partial remission meaning the disease is still detectable but reduced, and complete remission meaning the disease is no longer detectable. In contrast, remiss does not have degrees but is a general state of negligence or oversight, which can vary in its consequences depending on the context and severity of the oversight.

In medical treatments and recovery processes, achieving remission is often a primary goal, especially in conditions that cannot be completely cured. Being remiss, however, is avoidable and considered a fault, highlighting a person's failure to meet expectations or obligations.

Remission relates to a process or state that can be actively sought through treatment or management of a condition, often requiring medical intervention or lifestyle changes. Remiss, conversely, is a passive state, resulting from a lack of action or effort, and can often be corrected through increased diligence or commitment to responsibilities.