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

This laid-back, cafe-laden ledge is located above the beaches and ancient ramparts where the Douro River pours through its last, lovely tributaries into the Atlantic Ocean.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Kudos to Bill Plaschke for recognizing and capturing the power of 6-year-old Jackson Tuyay’s passionate cheering that helped ignite the laid-back crowd and inspire the Lakers to a huge comeback win.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Despite the threat, during the day the vibe remains laid-back in a city known for the cultivated cool of its hipster atmosphere.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

McCullum, who oversaw England's Ashes defeat this winter, has presented a similar laid-back look on the sidelines regardless of the match situation throughout his time with England.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

I fre- quendy found myself traveling in the company of Doug Hansen, the postal worker, and Andy Harris, Rob Hall’s laid-back junior guide.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• easygoing
• mellow