noun

laissez-faire

LESS-ay FAIR

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Laissez-faire (noun) means the principle that governments should interfere as little as possible in business and the economy, leaving markets to regulate themselves. Example: “Nineteenth-century laissez-faire left factory conditions almost entirely unpoliced.”

noun

economics The principle that governments should interfere as little as possible in business and the economy, leaving markets to regulate themselves.

"Nineteenth-century laissez-faire left factory conditions almost entirely unpoliced."

"The party has drifted away from laissez-faire towards active industrial policy."

adjective

Deliberately hands-off; allowing people to act as they choose with little supervision or control.

"His laissez-faire management style suits senior staff but leaves juniors adrift."

"They took a laissez-faire approach to bedtimes over the summer."

How to use laissez-faire

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLeaving people alone to get on with it instead of stepping in.

When to use it

Formal in the economic sense, neutral in the everyday one. Usually hyphenated in English and no longer italicised.

Memory tip

Keep the z: laissez, not laisser, in the English spelling, and pronounce it roughly less-ay fair.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

laissez-faire vs libertarian laissez-faire vs neglect

Common pairings

laissez-faire economics laissez-faire capitalism laissez-faire approach laissez-faire leadership laissez-faire parenting

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “laissez-faire” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Nineteenth-century _____ left factory conditions almost entirely unpoliced.

Etymology

From French laissez faire, "let (them) do" — from a longer phrase urging governments to leave commerce alone.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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free-market policy non-interventionism economic liberalism hands-off permissive non-interventionist relaxed

Antonyms

interventionism protectionism dirigisme hands-on authoritarian controlling

Related words

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Rhymes for laissez-faire

ire fire wire tire lire dire hire mire sire afire Zaire spire

See all rhymes for laissez-faire →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between laissez-faire and libertarianism?

Laissez-faire is a specific position about economic policy: keep the state out of markets. Libertarianism is a broader political philosophy that extends minimal state interference to personal life, speech and civil liberties as well. All libertarians favour laissez-faire economics, but not everyone who does is a libertarian.

What is laissez-faire leadership?

It is a style in which the manager sets the goal, supplies resources and then leaves the team to decide how to work. It suits experienced, self-directed people and tends to fail with those who need structure or feedback.

Is laissez-faire the same as doing nothing?

Not quite. Laissez-faire is a deliberate choice not to intervene, on the belief that the outcome will be better without interference. Simple neglect involves no such judgement, though critics argue the results can look identical.

What is the meaning of laissez-faire?

"laissez-faire" (noun) means the principle that governments should interfere as little as possible in business and the economy, leaving markets to regulate themselves.

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