English Explanatory Dictionary

benign neglect

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A policy or strategy of deliberately taking no action concerning an issue, challenging situation, or other problem in the belief that this course will ultimately result in the best outcome possible.

Word forms

benign neglect

Etymology

Reportedly coined in 1969 by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, adviser to US President Richard Nixon, who recommended this policy with respect to the issue of US racial strife.

Related words

hands off laissez faire let nature take its course let sleeping dogs lie
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