benign neglect

noun

: an attitude or policy of ignoring an often delicate or undesirable situation that one is held to be responsible for dealing with

Examples of benign neglect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond the initial watering regimen (which was a bit demanding given the Alabama climate) and their annual deadheading, our hydrangeas have largely thrived under a reign of benign neglect. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Sure, my mother made some effort to keep us occupied, but for the most part, summer—like much of my childhood—was defined by a certain benign neglect. — Melissa Petro, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

But even this private market existed mostly with benign neglect from the state, not through the rigorous enforcement of property rights and contracts, as under capitalism. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

This is good opportunity to integrate more benign neglect into your parenting style. — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benign neglect

• aftereffect
• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct