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Simple Definition of laissez-faire

from our Learner's Dictionary

laissez-faire

1 of 2

noun

ˌlɛˌseɪˈfeɚ

economics : a policy that allows businesses to operate with very little interference from the government

a strong advocate of laissez-faire

laissez-faire

2 of 2

adjective

always used before a noun

economics : favoring a policy that allows businesses to operate with very little interference from the government

laissez-faire capitalism/economics

—often used figuratively

She took a laissez-faire approach to managing her employees. [=she allowed her employees to do what they chose to do without much direction from her]

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Style

“Laissez-faire.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/laissez-faire. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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