lawlessness

[law-lis-nis]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being without regard for the law; behavior that is contrary to or shows indifference to the law.

   Unfortunately, a lot of confusion, lawlessness, stupidity, and even death surrounds alcohol use in college settings.

2. the state or condition of being without law or law enforcement to provide control or restraint.

   For several months, the emerging nation looked as if it would slip into lawlessness and civil war.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lawlessness¹

First recorded in 1585–95; lawless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

The work also gives the volunteers a modicum of civic control in a city where they often see too much lawlessness — from graffiti to open-air drug use.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Lord Justice Bean said this argument risked "encouraging further lawlessness".

From BBC

"There is a risk of encouraging further lawlessness."

From BBC

National Guard and taking over the Metropolitan Police Department to rein in “complete and total lawlessness.”

From Salon

Nevertheless, the administration has framed its show of foruce as a crackdown on lawlessness and “sanctuary city” policies.

From Salon

Related Words

• chaos 
• confusion 
• disorder 
• terrorism