benign neglect

noun

: an attitude or policy of ignoring an often delicate or undesirable situation that one is held to be responsible for dealing with

Examples of benign neglect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the end, the only real answer to this incredible, adaptable grass may be a combination of careful prevention and benign neglect, letting nature be the barrier against its own greatest survivor. Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025 It may be interpreted as neglect Along with disconnection, benign neglect may also spurn undertones of neglect. Emily Shiffer, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024 Tips for Trying Out Benign Neglect Want to give benign neglect a try? Emily Shiffer, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024 But Trump hardly started this country’s venerable tradition of treating our most important trading partner with complacent, benign neglect. Andrés Martinez, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for benign neglect

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benign neglect was in 1899

Cite this Entry

“Benign neglect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benign%20neglect. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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