laxness
|lax/ness|
/ˈlæk.snəs/
not tight; not strict
Etymology
'laxness' originates from English formation: the adjective 'lax' + the noun-forming suffix '-ness'. 'lax' itself comes from Latin 'laxus' meaning 'loose'.
'lax' entered English from Latin 'laxus' (via Medieval Latin and possibly Old French influence) and later formed the abstract noun 'laxness' by adding the native English suffix '-ness'.
Initially 'laxus' meant 'loose' or 'wide'; over time the sense broadened in English to include 'not strict' or 'negligent', which is the core meaning of 'laxness' today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being not strict or severe; lack of rigor, discipline, or attention.
The laxness in safety procedures led to several accidents.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
physical slackness or looseness (not taut or tight).
The laxness of the rope made the swing unsafe.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a relaxed or negligent attitude that results in poor performance or standards.
There was dangerous laxness in enforcement of the rules.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/26 17:42