French word

laisser-aller

Pronunciation

IPA/leseale/

Meaning

  • masculine noununtidiness

Example

Le laisser-aller de son appartement se voit.

The untidiness of his apartment is obvious.

Illustration for laisser-aller (untidiness)

More examples

On ne doit pas tolérer le laisser-aller au travail.

One must not tolerate laxness at work.

Core concept

A person, home, or belongings left without regular care until neglect becomes plainly visible.

Common phrases

  • tolérer le laisser-aller

    tolerate laxness

  • le laisser-aller au travail

    laxness at work

Similar words

négligence: A state of insufficient care or attention in upkeep and management.
désordre: A state in which things or spaces are disorganized and untidy.
saleté: A dirty, unhygienic state marked by noticeable grime or rubbish.
manque d'entretien: A state of decline caused by a lack of regular maintenance or repairs.

Definition in French

Disposition ou tendance à négliger l'entretien de soi, de son logement ou de ses affaires, entraînant un manque de soin visible.

Word origin

The noun laisser-aller comes from se laisser aller, literally 'to let oneself go', with the phrase becoming an abstract noun for neglected care.

Usage tips

  • Laisser-aller is masculine, so standard forms include un laisser-aller and le laisser-aller.

Other meanings

  • sloppinessnoun
  • carelessnessnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word