lax

adjective \ ˈlaks \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: lax in a Sentence

Definition of lax

1 a of the bowels : loose, open

b : having loose bowels

2 : deficient in firmness : not stringent

lax control

a lax foreman

security has been lax

3 a : 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\)

—

laxation

play \lak-ˈsā-shən\ noun

—

laxly

play \ˈlaks-lē\ adverb

—

laxness

noun

See lax defined for English-language learners

See lax defined for kids

Examples of lax in a Sentence

The university has been lax about enforcing these rules.
lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want

Recent Examples of lax from the Web

Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have compounded the problem with lax enforcement of their own policies prohibiting impersonators.

— jack nicas, New York Times, "Oprah, Is That You? On Social Media, the Answer Is Often No.," 7 July 2018
The company has been widely criticized for years over seemingly lax efforts to police bad actors, including abusive users.

— colin lecher, The Verge, "Twitter reportedly suspended 70 million accounts in past two months in crackdown," 6 July 2018
Another possibility is that corporate concentration may have increased because of lax antitrust enforcement or the growing heft of companies benefiting from network effects, like internet firms.

— The Economist, "Companies appear to be gaining market power," 5 July 2018
Some lax passing in midfield nearly gifted Russia with a rare chance, but Smolov chose the wrong pass and Golovin was closed down before committing a foul.

— SI.com, "Spain 1-1 Russia (3-4 Pens): Hosts Shock La Roja on Penalties After Dogged Defensive Display," 1 July 2018
Some lax passing in midfield nearly gifted Russia with a rare chance, but Smolov chose the wrong pass and Golovin was closed down before committing a foul.

— sean drury, Pro Soccer USA, "Spain 1-1 Russia (3-4 pens): Hosts shock La Roja in PKs after dogged defensive display," 1 July 2018
While state law says RVs must be moved every 72 hours, that has not always been the case in Santee, where many people have taken advantage of lax enforcement.

— karen pearlman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Santee RV owners in for some new street parking rules," 11 May 2018
Poor governance is also a major factor in pollution since lax enforcement of standards for car exhausts, crop burning, or dust from construction sites leads to more particulates in the air.

— umair irfan, Vox, "Why India’s pollution levels are so high," 8 May 2018
Bolivia and Ecuador ban citizens from holding cryptocurrencies, but trading in those countries still happens because of lax enforcement.

— amir vahdat, The Seattle Times, "Report: Iran officially bans use of cryptocurrencies," 23 Apr. 2018

These 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.

Origin and Etymology of lax

Middle English, from Latin laxus loose — more at slack

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

lax Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of lax

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness. negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

- negligent about writing a note of thanks

neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

- a society callously neglectful of the poor

lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

- a reporter lax about accurate quotation

slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

- slack workmanship

remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

- had been remiss in their familial duties

lax

noun

Definition of lax

: lacrosse

Origin and Etymology of lax

by shortening & alteration (x as symbol for -crosse)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1951

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Field and Goal Sports Terms

crease, lateral, overthrow, playbook, post, screen, scrum, secondary, ultimate

LAX Defined for English Language Learners

lax

adjective

Definition of lax for English Language Learners

: not careful enough : not strict enough

LAX Defined for Kids

lax

adjective \ ˈlaks \

Definition of lax for Students

1 : not firm or tight : loose

The straps were lax.

2 : not stern or strict

lax discipline

—

laxness

noun

Medical Dictionary

lax

adjective \ ˈlaks \

medical Definition of lax

1 of the bowels : loose 3

2 : having loose bowels

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See words that rhyme with lax Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lax Spanish Central: Translation of lax Nglish: Translation of lax for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lax for Arabic speakers

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lax

Definition of lax

laxation

laxly

laxness

Examples of lax in a Sentence

Recent Examples of lax from the Web

Origin and Etymology of lax

lax Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of lax

lax

Definition of lax

Origin and Etymology of lax

Other Field and Goal Sports Terms

LAX Defined for English Language Learners

lax

Definition of lax for English Language Learners

LAX Defined for Kids

lax

Definition of lax for Students

laxness

Medical Dictionary

lax

medical Definition of lax

Learn More about lax

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