adj
lax
laks
adj
1
Not strict or careful; loose in standards or discipline.
"Security at the old warehouse was shockingly lax."
"Her parents were fairly lax about bedtime during the holidays."
2
Not tight or firmly stretched; loose.
"The rope hung lax between the two posts."
How to Use Lax
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLoose or careless, rather than strict or tight.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
lax security
lax standards
lax discipline
Word Forms
laxer comparative, laxes plural, Laxes plural, laxest superlative
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Security at the old warehouse was shockingly _____.
Etymology
From Latin laxus, "loose, slack" — the same root that gives us "relax" and "laxative."