laid-back

American  

[leyd-bak] / ˈleɪdˈbæk /

Or laidback

adjective

Slang.

1. relaxed or unhurried.

   laid-back music rhythms.

2. free from stress; easygoing; carefree.

   a laid-back way of living.

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laid-back British  

adjective

1. informal relaxed in style, character, or behaviour; easy-going and unhurried

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Etymology

Origin of laid-back

1905–10, for an earlier sense; 1970–75 for current sense

Explanation

Someone who's laid-back is relaxed and at ease. A laid-back dog owner always stays calm, even when her dog jumps up on the dining room table. The opposite of laid-back is uptight. While a laid-back babysitter pretty much lets his charges do whatever they feel like, an uptight babysitter might make a schedule for doing chores, eating, and a strict bedtime. A laid-back party is often much more fun than a formal, dressy event, since people can wear whatever they're comfortable in and enjoy chatting with each other. Laid-back was coined in the 1970s, possibly from the slouchy posture of motorcycle riders.

Example Sentences

Participants met to draft individualized, national transition roadmaps away from fossil fuels; using more laid back question and answer information sessions, they made unusual progress.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

The familiar virtuosity and relentless swing are still there, but Peterson seems much more laid back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

But it’s Streep’s commitment to Colleen Sr.’s laid back, unbothered demeanor that steals the sketch.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2025

"I don't really look too much into that, I'm too laid back for it," Price said.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

As soon as he was satisfied that all was well, he laid back his ears and set to work on the grass.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Related Words

• easygoing
• mellow