First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1lax
adjective \ˈlaks\
: not careful enough : not strict enough
Full Definition of LAX
2
: deficient in firmness : not stringent <lax control> <a lax foreman>
3
a : not tense, firm, or rigid : slack <a lax rope> b : having an open or loose texture c : having the constituents spread apart <a lax flower cluster>
4
: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)
— lax·a·tion \lak-ˈsā-shən\ noun
— lax·ly \ˈlaks-lē\ adverb
— lax·ness noun
See lax defined for English-language learners
See lax defined for kids
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Origin of LAX
Middle English, from Latin laxus loose — more at slack
Related to LAX
- Synonyms
- careless, derelict, disregardful, negligent, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack
- Antonyms
- attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
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>.
2lax
noun
Definition of LAX
: lacrosse
Origin of LAX
by shortening & alteration (x as symbol for -crosse)
First Known Use: 1951
LAX[1] Defined for Kids
lax
adjective \ˈlaks\
Definition of LAX for Kids
1
: not firm or tight : loose <The straps were lax.>
2
: not stern or strict <lax discipline>
— lax·ness noun
Medical Dictionary
lax
adjective \ˈlaks\
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