laxity

[ lak-si-tee ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being lax; looseness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of laxity¹

First recorded in 1520–30, laxity is from the Latin word laxitās wideness, openness. See lax, -ity

Example Sentences

Residents have criticised officers for their “laxity and unprofessionalism” in dealing with the crime.

From BBC

Yet even that laxity proved too constraining for Saret, who chafed at being hemmed in, often to the point of self-sabotage.

From New York Times

Conservative politicians still fear reforming the break will foster fiscal laxity at home and indirectly elsewhere in Europe.

From Reuters

As it turned out, of course, Lee’s stabbing death seems to have had nothing to do with street crime or prosecutorial laxity or coddled criminals or “repeat violent offenders.”

From Los Angeles Times

For some reason — perhaps nostalgia, perhaps finances, perhaps troubling laxity — the Hoyas brought Ewing back after they lost all 19 of their Big East games last season.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• indecision
• indifference
• leniency