Advertisement

Advertisement

benign neglect

noun

  1. an attitude or policy of noninterference or neglect of a situation, which may have a more beneficial effect than assuming responsibility; well-intentioned neglect.


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of benign neglect1

First recorded in 1970–75

Discover More

Example Sentences

But under cover of this benign neglect, the region has dramatically changed, mostly for the better.

It's the "benign" in what Peter Beinart reported as Obama's expected "benign neglect" policies toward the Holy Land.

At Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, I found another eighty Hitler books in a similar state of benign neglect.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement