the theory or system of government that upholds the autonomous character of the economic order, believing that government should intervene as little as possible in the direction of economic affairs.
the practice or doctrine of noninterference in the affairs of others, especially with reference to individual conduct or freedom of action.
Also called: individualism. the doctrine of unrestricted freedom in commerce, esp for private interests
( as modifier )
a laissez-faire economy
indifference or noninterference, esp in the affairs of others
What does laissez faire mean? As a noun, laissez faire refers to the practice of allowing people or institutions to act or behave however they want, with little or no interference or regulation. It can also refer to the theory on which such a system is based. The adjective form laissez-faire is used to describe people or things that engage in this practice or that are based on this theory, such as a laissez-faire economy. These terms are especially associated with economics. In this context, they refer to systems in which there are few regulations and little government oversight of how business is conducted. Supporters of free enterprise typically advocate for laissez-faire policies. In contrast, most governments create regulations or provide oversight with the intention of trying to keep the economy fair. The terms can be used more generally in everyday life in the context of people who use laissez faire as an approach to dealing with a situation or who have a laissez-faire attitude. This typically involves a person letting things happen without getting involved. Example: The head of the franchise was known for her philosophy of laissez faire, usually letting the head coach make most of the decisions about the team.
1815–25; < French: literally, allow to act
First recorded in 1815–25
Laissez-faire means "leave it alone." Usually it describes the economic policy of a government that stresses non-interference in business. The phrase laissez faire comes from the French phrase laissez faire et laissez passer, "Let be and let pass." This phrase became popular in 18th-century France, where economists suggested the government stay out of business and industry. It might also be applied to situations outside economics where governmental interference in personal activities is avoided or when you take a "hands off" approach to something.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Peter Corrigan, a former business professor and retired auto-industry executive, conducted his own analysis of the school’s finances and criticized leaders for adopting “a laissez faire attitude.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
At the same time, the half-century long laissez faire regulatory environment of the U.S. is ending.
From Barron's ● Apr. 16, 2026
There’s a certain live-and-let-live, laissez faire quality to eating like this.
From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2024
And it’s because of this remoteness and laissez faire attitude that people also come here to dump dogs they no longer want.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 4, 2024
Dickens published his Hard Times in 1854, and constantly attacked the system of laissez faire in the columns of Household Words.
From A Short History of English Liberalism by Walter Lyon Blease
Back in Washington, the Department of Transportation concluded that this laissez-faire attitude had to change, and began high-level discussions with the nation’s aviation executives.
From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026
After implementing a laissez-faire approach for more than a year, the White House has pivoted, wanting cybersecurity and national-security experts more involved in evaluating AI models and threats they may pose.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
“In the transition, I told the incoming Trump team that they should really pick up that dialogue. But the Trump administration’s view was just far more laissez-faire, and they didn’t seem particularly interested in it.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026
Her laissez-faire policy applies to letting her kids drop extracurriculars when they’ve moved on from them and maintain less than straight-A grades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
Appealing though this laissez-faire undoubtedly was, especially for amateur musicians, it resulted in instrumental music that did not make great demands on players, their instruments, or indeed composers.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
