lax

1 of 2

adjective

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 noun
laxly adverb
laxness noun

lax

2 of 2

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 want
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The measure also eases restrictions that have been blamed for fostering a lax police response to retail and property crimes. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Among the most outspoken is Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, who has pointed to the confluence of lax gun laws and expanded self-defense as contributing to Kansas City’s high homicide rate, which reached a new record in 2023. Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 The blowout heard round the world amounted to an open invitation for the DOJ to examine whether lax safety procedures the pact was supposed to fix triggered the new disaster. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 DeSantis, however, has criticized federal enforcement of the law as too lax. Cristiano Lima-Strong, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Cybercriminals frequently reassemble after experiencing setbacks, particularly when their operators are located in countries whose law enforcement agencies are lax about prosecuting their crimes. Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 1 Mar. 2024 Snow crews find 'above average' depths Audit finds lax state land leasing protocols cost Arizona programs millions Arizona expected to add 100K new jobs by 2025. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 25 Feb. 2024 Legislators said federal investigators have been lax in enforcing dealer laws. Seth Klamann, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2024 The daughter was not at the court hearing, but the teen's father Jim Dixon was and said he was disappointed in the lax sentencing. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin laxus loose — more at slack

Noun

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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near lax

Cite this Entry

“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lax. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lax

adjective
ˈlaks
1
: not firm or tight : loose
2
: not strict
laxly adverb
laxness noun

Medical Definition

lax

adjective
1
of the bowels : loose sense 3
2
: having loose bowels

More from Merriam-Webster on lax

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