lax
adjective
\
Definition of lax
(Entry 1 of 2)
2 : deficient in firmness : not stringent lax control a lax foreman security has been lax
3a : not tense, firm, or rigid : slack a lax rope
b : having an open or loose texture a lax soil
c : having the constituents spread apart a lax flower cluster
4 : articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)
lax
nounDefinition of lax (Entry 2 of 2)
: lacrosse
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Other words from lax
Adjective
\
noun
\
adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms for lax
Synonyms: Adjective
careless, derelict, disregardful, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, remiss, slack
Antonyms: Adjective
attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
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Examples of lax in a Sentence
Adjective
The university has been lax about enforcing these rules. lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they wantRecent Examples on the Web: Adjective
The episode occurred months before the deadly Ghost Ship fire at an artists’ collective drew attention to the dangers of unpermitted residences and the city’s lax oversight of such properties. — Kimberly Veklerov, SFChronicle.com, "Oakland finds likely collusion between inspector, property owner in eviction," 1 July 2018 Contentious and last-minute issues: Giving $550,000 to the Center for Closing the Health Gap: Mayor John Cranley opposed it because of a review that found lax oversight for the group. — Sharon Coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati's 2019 budget: Money for Health Gap, 911 center and police OT, and lots of fee increases," 27 June 2018 But new details about his agency's lax oversight comes after his campaign has weathered criticism of Putnam's full embrace of gun rights. — Steve Contorno, miamiherald, "Florida approved thousands of concealed weapons permits without background checks," 8 June 2018 In an earlier report, the health department said Cathedral Village provided lax oversight of temporary staff. — Harold Brubaker, Philly.com, "Testimony: White House call kicked off criminal investigation of H.R. McMaster Sr.'s death at Cathedral Village," 5 June 2018 The warnings of lax oversight and little accountability proved prescient. — Graham Vyse, The New Republic, "Is Washington Ready for Another Betsy DeVos?," 28 Mar. 2018 New provisions — daily inspections and daily fines for each day a violation exists — were meant to replace lax oversight that existed at the time Caleb died. — Steve Vockrodt, Tony Rizzo, Glenn E. Rice And Laura Bauer, kansascity, "Ex-Schlitterbahn executive charged with manslaughter in 2016 death on water slide | The Kansas City Star," 23 Mar. 2018 Michigan’s system faced harsh criticism from liberal education reformers for its lax oversight and, consequently, unimpressive performance. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Obama’s Education Legacy Has Been Forgotten. Now He Has to Save It.," 27 Feb. 2018 There is also lax enforcement by funding agencies and editors of journals in data reporting. — Scott Waldman, Scientific American, "Climate Science Can Be More Transparent, Researchers Say," 10 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for lax
lax
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of lax
: not careful enough : not strict enough
See the full definition for lax in the English Language Learners Dictionary
lax
adjective
\
Kids Definition of lax
1 : not firm or tight : loose The straps were lax.
2 : not stern or strict lax discipline
lax
adjective
\
Medical Definition of lax
1 of the bowels : loose sense 3
2 : having loose bowels
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Comments on lax
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