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

See Examples For:

laid-back

By not taking herself too seriously, she set a laid-back tone for a high pressure show that for many nominees feels like a life or death moment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

However, it now offers a laid-back California feel thanks to the work that Scott has carried out during his ownership of the dwelling.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

Join them to get a feel for the city’s laid-back pace.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

Blending classic menswear with skate and surf culture, the space also features an in-store skate bowl, reflecting the brand’s roots while tapping into Los Angeles’ laid-back vibe.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

But for all its laid-back inclusiveness, Oakland is also a city of stark contrasts.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Related Words

• easygoing
• mellow