laissez-faire

noun

lais·​sez-faire ˌle-ˌsā-ˈfer 

ˌlā-,

-ˌzā- 

1

: a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights

argued that the problem with oil prices was too much laissez-faire

2

: a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference especially with individual freedom of choice and action

the university has a policy of laissez-faire regarding nonacademic student activities

laissez-faire adjective

Did you know?

The French phrase laissez faire literally means “allow to do,” with the idea being “let people do as they choose.” The origins of laissez-faire are associated with the Physiocrats, a group of 18th-century French economists who believed that government policy should not interfere with the operation of natural economic laws. (The actual coiner of the phrase may have been French economist Vincent de Gournay, or it may have been François Quesnay, who is considered the group’s founder and leader.) The original phrase was “laissez faire, laissez passer,” with the second part meaning “let (things) pass.” Laissez-faire, which first showed up in an English context in the first half of the 19th century, can still mean “a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs,” but it is also used in broader contexts in which a “hands-off” or “anything-goes” policy or attitude is adopted. It is frequently used as an adjective meaning “favoring a ‘hands-off’ policy,” as in “laissez-faire economics.”

Examples of laissez-faire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Republicans—who were ideologically more amenable to Carter’s laissez-faire policy accomplishments—were not predisposed to recognize the achievements of a member of the opposition. —Paul Matzko / Made By History, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024

The Pacers are a laissez-faire vortex of movement and tempo, which needs to be grounded in some defensive intensity to work. —Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Beach Waves Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, December 2004 Barefoot and blissful, Crawford's laissez-faire loose waves complement her casual beachside wedding. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024

The effect should be laissez-faire, easy-breezy—but getting to that look isn’t as simple as twirling some fabric around your neck and heading out the door. —Erika Veurink, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French laissez faire, imperative of laisser faire to let (people) do (as they choose)

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

laissez-faire

noun

lais·​sez-faire

ˌle-ˌsā-ˈfa(ə)r,

ˌlā-,

-ˌzā-,

-ˈfe(ə)r

: a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs

laissez-faire adjective

Etymology

from the French phrase laissez faire "let (people) do (as they choose)"