laxity

USAGE SUMMARY

'laxity' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something as being lax or relaxed in terms of a set of rules or standards. For example, "The school's laxity of dress code is unpopular among many parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Bergsten believes that EMU governments, having given up monetary policy, might pursue an expansionary fiscal policy in spite of their "stability pact", which is intended to prevent such laxity.

The Economist

Despite Mr Major's obvious reluctance to make immigration an election issue, 14 Tory MPs from the West Midlands signed a joint declaration attacking Labour's laxity on the issue.

The Economist

Communing with history is another way to stiffen the laxity of a vacation: famous buildings, battlefields and landmarks are popular and lucrative draws.

The Economist

He favours more spending on education, and tax breaks for research and development.Others counter that loosening the rule when copper prices are still high would send a dangerous message of laxity.

The Economist

The International Monetary Fund concluded that America's first rounds of monetary laxity boosted its trading partners' output by as much as 0.3%.

The Economist

Greece's main sin was fiscal laxity, Ireland's an almighty property binge.

The Economist

But such laxity creates opportunities for light-fingered bureaucrats.South Africa has excellent regulations on the probity expected of public employees.

The Economist

The most obvious culprit was the extraordinary laxity of America's mortgage-underwriting standards in the later stages of the boom.

The Economist

A failure to repay debts was once seen as a sign of moral laxity.

The Economist

Given the scale of likely house-price declines and the laxity of lending standards during the bubble, many Americans are in homes that they cannot afford.

The Economist

If it relaxes the rules for Greece, it will encourage fiscal laxity in other countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "laxity", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or rule is being loosely observed. For example, specify "laxity in security protocols" rather than just "laxity".

Common error

Avoid using "laxity" without specifying the area of weakness. Instead of saying "There was laxity", clarify with "There was laxity in enforcing the regulations", making the sentence more precise and informative.

Linguistic Context

The noun "laxity" functions primarily to denote a state of looseness, lack of rigor, or negligence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in standard English, with examples showing its use in discussing fiscal policy, security, and moral standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laxity" is a noun used to describe a state of looseness or a lack of strictness, often implying a negative consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This word appears frequently in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. When using "laxity", it's important to specify the area where the lack of strictness is occurring to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "slackness", "negligence", and "leniency", each with slightly different nuances. Remember to be clear and specific when using the word "laxity", ensuring your message is precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slackness

Focuses on a lack of diligence or effort in performing a task or duty.

remissness

Highlights a negligent failure to fulfill a responsibility or obligation.

negligence

Emphasizes a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances.

carelessness

Indicates a lack of attention or caution, often resulting in mistakes or harm.

leniency

Implies a mild or tolerant attitude towards wrongdoing or rule-breaking.

permissiveness

Suggests an excessive willingness to allow or tolerate behavior that others might disapprove of.

complacency

Describes a feeling of smug satisfaction with one's achievements, often leading to a lack of vigilance.

indifference

Conveys a lack of interest or concern about something.

apathy

Indicates a lack of feeling, emotion, or interest.

dereliction

Refers to the conscious and intentional abandonment or neglect of one's duty or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "laxity" in a sentence?

You can use "laxity" to describe a state of looseness or a lack of strictness. For example, "The company's "laxity" in enforcing safety regulations led to several accidents."

What are some words similar to "laxity"?

Similar words include "slackness", "negligence", and "leniency". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "laxity" a formal or informal word?

"Laxity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It's often used in news reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What is the difference between "laxity" and "leniency"?

"Laxity" refers to a general lack of strictness or care, while "leniency" specifically implies a mild or tolerant approach to punishment or discipline.