2
: deficient in firmness : not stringent
lax control
a lax foreman
security has been lax
3
a
: not tense, firm, or rigid : slack
a lax rope
b
: having an open or loose texture
a lax soil
c
: having the constituents spread apart
a lax flower cluster
4
: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)
Examples of lax in a Sentence
Adjective
The university has been lax about enforcing these rules.
lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want
Recent Examples on the Web
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
The new permit contains more lax regulations, neglects to address more than 20 toxic chemicals and concerns about forever chemicals, Vallee said in a statement.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Reuters won for its own investigative series on fentanyl, showing how lax regulation both inside and outside the United States makes the drug inexpensive and widely available.
—David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Most of the regiment did not regularly drill, and military discipline was extremely lax.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
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Adjective
Others worked for departments that had generous telework policies and lax enforcement of those requirements.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
The new permit contains more lax regulations, neglects to address more than 20 toxic chemicals and concerns about forever chemicals, Vallee said in a statement.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Reuters won for its own investigative series on fentanyl, showing how lax regulation both inside and outside the United States makes the drug inexpensive and widely available.
—David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Most of the regiment did not regularly drill, and military discipline was extremely lax.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lax. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lax
adjective1
of the bowels
: loose sense 3
2
: having loose bowels
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