Lax
/læks/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Lax describes a situation or person that is not strict, careful, or strong enough in following rules or keeping control. It often refers to being too relaxed or easy about something that needs attention or discipline.
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See It in Action
Not strict or careful about rules or control
- •The company was lax about safety, which caused accidents.
- •Parents should not be lax with their children’s education.
- •The school’s lax discipline led to many problems.
Loose or slack in physical condition (less common)
- •The rope was lax and could not hold the load.
- •His muscles felt lax after resting.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'lax' like 'easy,' but with a negative meaning—it means too easy or not strict enough
- ✓Picture a loose rope that is not tight, so it doesn’t hold things firmly
- ✓It feels like when a teacher does not check homework or a guard does not watch carefully, making you feel things might go wrong
- ✓Sounds like 'lax' → imagine someone relaxing too much and letting things slip away
- ✓Imagine a security guard who is sleepy and not paying attention, letting people enter without checking
- ✓NOT like 'strict' (very careful and strong rules), 'lax' means weak or not careful enough
- ✓NOT like 'relaxed' (positive calmness), 'lax' often means careless or too loose in control
Try Other Words
- •Careless: not paying enough attention (Use when meaning someone does not try hard or ignores details)
- •Lenient: not strict or harsh (Use when someone is kind or easy with rules, often positive)
- •Slack: not tight or not doing work well (Use when describing effort or physical tightness)
- •Neglectful: not giving enough attention or care (Use when someone ignores duties or responsibilities)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; 'lax' is a short root word
- •Etymology: From Latin 'laxus,' meaning loose or slack
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to mean loose or not strict
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe weak control, poor rules, or careless behavior
Reflect & Connect
•Can being lax ever be a good thing? When might it help rather than harm?
•How do you feel when someone is lax about rules that affect you? Does it make you feel safe or worried?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager was lax in checking the reports, which caused many ___ mistakes.
2.When parents are lax with their children’s homework, the children often ___ poor results.
3.Unlike strict teachers, the lax teacher rarely ___ students for being late.
4.The security was lax, allowing people to enter without ___.
5.The rope was lax, so it could not ___ the heavy load properly.
6.People say the company is lax because it does not ___ safety rules carefully.
7.If you are too lax about your health, you might ___ serious problems later.