laches

noun

la·​ches ˈla-chəz How to pronounce laches (audio) ˈlā- How to pronounce laches (audio)
plural 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Therefore, quite apart from laches, five of the seven justices ruled against the campaign on the merits. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 17 Dec. 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, 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, 12 Apr. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lachesse, from Anglo-French laschesce, from lasche lax, ultimately from Latin laxare to loosen — more at lease

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laches was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laches. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

laches

noun
plural laches
1
: undue delay in asserting a right or privilege compare statute of limitations
2
a
: 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
Etymology

Anglo-French lachesce, laschesce negligence, from Old French lasche lax, ultimately from Latin laxare to loosen, from laxus slack

More from Merriam-Webster on laches

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!