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.

---

laid-back British  

adjective

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

---

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

Plans to build an Islamic religious site in Fujisawa, a laid-back seaside town about an hour's drive south of Tokyo, have sparked a wide range of emotions.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 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

The backcountry of the French resort area offers luxury home buyers a more laid-back, rustic feel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

A separate, more casual dining area can also be found just off the great room, providing the perfect place for a laid-back breakfast or morning coffee.

From MarketWatch ● May 19, 2026

My brother is fairly laid-back until he’s not.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

• easygoing
• mellow