not as strict as expected when punishing someone or when making sure that rules are obeyed a lenient sentence/fine The judge was far too lenient with him.
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
NAmE//ˈlinyənsi//
(less frequent lenience ) noun [uncountable] She appealed to the judge for leniency.
adverb to treat someone lenientlySee lenient in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Check pronunciation: lenient