laissez faire
B2-C1Formal, academic (especially economics, political science), business, journalism.
Definition
Meaning
A policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering, especially in economics.
An approach in which there is minimal government intervention in economic affairs; a general principle of non-interference in the actions or choices of others.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used as a modifier (e.g., laissez-faire economics, a laissez-faire approach). Describes an economic philosophy and a style of leadership/parenting. Often implies a deliberate, principled choice to not intervene.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More frequent in American English, especially in political/economic discourse. British usage is similar but can appear more in historical contexts.
Connotations
Often has a negative connotation when describing neglectful parenting or management ('he has a laissez-faire attitude towards safety'). In economics, it is a neutral technical term, though politically charged.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American political and financial journalism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ADJ] approach to NOUN[ADJ] policy on/of NOUNa [ADJ] attitudeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A 'laissez-faire' attitude”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describes market regulation and leadership style. 'The CEO's laissez-faire management led to high creativity but poor coordination.'
Academic
Key term in economic history and political theory. 'Smith is often mischaracterized as an advocate of pure laissez-faire.'
Everyday
Used critically to describe parenting or governance seen as neglectful. 'Their laissez-faire parenting means the kids have no bedtime.'
Technical
Precise descriptor of a school of economic thought and specific policy sets.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – primarily an adjective/noun compound
American English
- N/A – primarily an adjective/noun compound
adverb
British English
- Rarely used. 'The system operates largely laissez-faire.' (possible but very formal)
American English
- Rarely used. 'They managed the team laissez-faire.' (awkward; 'in a laissez-faire manner' is preferred)
adjective
British English
- The country moved towards a more laissez-faire economic model in the 1980s.
- His laissez-faire attitude towards project deadlines caused several delays.
American English
- The administration is promoting a laissez-faire approach to industry regulation.
- She criticized the school's laissez-faire policy on smartphone use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some parents have a laissez-faire style; they let their children choose their own activities.
- Laissez-faire means the government does not control business.
- Critics argue that laissez-faire policies increase inequality.
- His laissez-faire management can be frustrating for employees who need more guidance.
- The era of laissez-faire capitalism in the 19th century was marked by rapid industrialization and significant social upheaval.
- This philosophy advocates a laissez-faire stance towards technological innovation, allowing the market to dictate winners and losers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Lets them fare' (lets them get on with it) on their own.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ECONOMY/ORGANIZATION IS A SELF-REGULATING MACHINE (that works best without 'meddling'). GOVERNMENT/PARENT IS A MECHANIC (who should not constantly tinker).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally. Avoid 'позволять делать' (to let do). The closest established term is 'невмешательство' or the direct borrowing 'лессе-фер' in economic contexts. 'Свободный рынок' (free market) is a related concept but not a perfect synonym.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'laissez faire', 'laisse fair', 'lazy faire'. Incorrect pronunciation stressing 'lai-SEZ'. Using it as a standalone noun ('He believes in laissez-faire') is correct, but less common than its use as a modifier.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'laissez-faire' most technically accurate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a French phrase meaning 'let do' or 'allow to act', attributed to 18th-century French economists opposed to government intervention in commerce.
It depends on context. In economics, it is a neutral descriptor of a policy. When describing management or parenting, it often carries a negative connotation of neglect or lack of direction.
In British English: /ˌleɪseɪ ˈfeə(r)/ (lay-say fair). In American English: /ˌleɪseɪ ˈfer/ (lay-say fare).
No, it is not standard to use it as a verb. It functions as an adjective (a laissez-faire policy) or a noun (a belief in laissez-faire).