impunity
Americannoun
-
exemption from punishment.
-
immunity from detrimental effects, as of an action.
noun
-
exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination
-
exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences
a successful career marked by impunity from early mistakes
-
-
with no unpleasant consequences
-
with no care or heed for such consequences
-
Related Words
See exemption.
Etymology
Origin of impunity
First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French impunite or Latin impūnitāt-, stem of impūnitās, derivative of impūnis “without punishment, unpunished” (from the adverb impūne), equivalent to im- im- 2 + -pūne, combining form of poena “penalty, pain” + -itās -ity
Explanation
If doing something usually results in punishment, but you do it with impunity, you will not be punished for the deed. Students are not allowed to chew gum in school, but teachers do it with impunity. Not fair! The noun, impunity, comes from the Latin roots im- ("not") plus poena ("punishment"), a root which has also produced the word pain. Impunity, then, is the freedom from punishment or pain. If someone has committed a punishable offense but does not have to fear punishment, he or she does it "with impunity." Cybercriminals operate with impunity in some countries.
Vocabulary lists containing impunity
"The Cask Of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Cask of Amontillado"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Scarlet Letter
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"He acted with total impunity," she told CBS.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Over the past year, the Epstein files have metastasized into a defining symbol of elite impunity.
From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026
Like Willy Loman, he’s enraged that his boss feels like he can eat the orange and then just throw away the peel — with impunity.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
They want to break the law with impunity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
She’d been watching Molly before this, waiting for her to turn back to normal, to go back to grating on her nerves and breaking her rules with impunity.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
