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
This is good opportunity to integrate more benign neglect into your parenting style.
—
Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
In fact, Claire’s neighbor Jeanne Wang-Wasserman, played with subtle snobbish disdain by veteran actress Joan Chen, fuels her ire almost as much as her family’s benign neglect.
—Rodney Ho, Boston Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
In some cases, that can be attributed to egregious abandonment or benign neglect.
—Justin Worland, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Small states have risen to power on first-mover advantages, often with the acquiescence or benign neglect of larger states.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign neglect
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Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
In fact, Claire’s neighbor Jeanne Wang-Wasserman, played with subtle snobbish disdain by veteran actress Joan Chen, fuels her ire almost as much as her family’s benign neglect.
—Rodney Ho, Boston Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
In some cases, that can be attributed to egregious abandonment or benign neglect.
—Justin Worland, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Small states have risen to power on first-mover advantages, often with the acquiescence or benign neglect of larger states.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benign neglect
Cite this Entry
“Benign neglect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benign%20neglect. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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