Dictionary laxInsufficiently strict

adjective

lax

LAKS/læks/

Not strict, careful, or sufficiently controlled.

The lax guard neglects the open gate.

Inattentive guard neglects an open gate.

Etymology

laxusLatinloose, free, or spacious

Physical looseness widened into looseness of rules, care, or control.

More examples

Lax supervision allows mistakes to spread.
The school tightens its lax attendance rules.

Forms

lax · Lax

Similar words

lenient: Less strict or severe than expected.
careless: Failing to give sufficient attention or concern.