lawless

[law-lis]

adjective

1. contrary to or without regard for the law.

   lawless violence.

2. being without law; uncontrolled by a law; unbridled; unruly; unrestrained.

   lawless passion.

3. illegal.

   bootleggers' lawless activity.

lawless

/ ˈlɔːlɪs /

adjective

1. without law

2. disobedient to the law

3. contrary to or heedless of the law

4. uncontrolled; unbridled

   lawless rage

Other Word Forms

• lawlessly adverb
• lawlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lawless¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; from Middle English laweles; law ¹, -less

Example Sentences

“This is a lawless, repeat offender administration that keeps breaking the law,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics have described the attacks as “lawless,” coming outside any theater of war and explicitly directed at civilians.

From Salon

Breyer left no stone unturned in detailing the president’s lawless deployment of troops and his plan to turn the military into a national police force answerable only to him.

From Salon

Kitsch says his character is the opposite — he’s a wild card and more lawless.

From Los Angeles Times

It argues that there is no precedent for flag-burning “conducted in a manner that is likely to incite imminent lawless action,” and that “fighting words” aren’t “constitutionally protected.”

From Salon

Related Words

• anarchic 
• barbarous 
• chaotic 
• turbulent 
• unruly 
• violent