laches

noun

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la·ches | \ ˈla-chəz

, ˈlā-

plural laches

Definition of laches

: negligence in the observance of duty or opportunity specifically : undue delay in asserting a legal right or privilege

Examples of laches in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nevertheless, the Pennsylvania supreme court rejected the Republican lawsuit based on the doctrine of laches. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "Supreme Court Nixes Republicans’ Pennsylvania Lawsuit," 8 Dec. 2020 Therefore, quite apart from laches, five of the seven justices ruled against the campaign on the merits. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "Biden Won Wisconsin, but It Was Even Closer Than Reported," 17 Dec. 2020 The court’s ruling on the issue of laches was unanimous. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "Trump Campaign Election Litigation Appears to End in Pennsylvania While Proceeding in Georgia," 30 Nov. 2020 Any dispute as to whether any statute of limitations, estoppel, waiver, laches, or other doctrine bars the arbitration of any Claim shall be decided by arbitration in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. — Star Tribune, "StarTribune.com Steals Terms of Sale," 29 Oct. 2020 Ceglia’s attempt to get half of Facebook — a company now estimated to be worth somewhere between $55 and $85 billion — also faces the difficult problem of the doctrine of laches. — Ryan Singel, WIRED, "E-Mails Prove Zuck Stole 50 Percent of Facebook from Investor, Suit Claims," 12 Apr. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'laches.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Laches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laches. Accessed 24 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for laches

laches

noun

la·ches | \ ˈla-chəz, ˈlā-, -shəz

plural laches

Legal Definition of laches

1 : undue delay in asserting a right or privilege — compare statute of limitations

2a : a doctrine permitting dismissal of a suit because a plaintiff's unreasonable delay in asserting a right or privilege has been detrimental to the defendant's ability to make a defense (as by resulting in the unavailability of witnesses or evidence) a suit barred by laches

b : an affirmative defense based on this doctrine