benign neglect

noun

: an attitude or policy of ignoring an often delicate or undesirable situation that one is held to be responsible for dealing with

Examples of benign neglect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But now that the Western Hemisphere is under the microscope from the Trump administration from everything from migration to drug smuggling to human trafficking, those same leaders may be missing the old days of relative benign neglect. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

In the end, the only real answer to this incredible, adaptable grass may be a combination of careful prevention and benign neglect, letting nature be the barrier against its own greatest survivor. —Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025

It may be interpreted as neglect Along with disconnection, benign neglect may also spurn undertones of neglect. —Emily Shiffer, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024

Tips for Trying Out Benign Neglect Want to give benign neglect a try? —Emily Shiffer, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benign neglect

• aftereffect
• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct