lawlessness

American  

[law-lis-nis] / ˈlɔ lɪs nɪs /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of lawlessness

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

Example Sentences

JOHANNESBURG—The corporate exodus from what was supposed to be Africa’s breakout economy is accelerating, propelled by a toxic cocktail of corruption, lawlessness and poor infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

The judges cite the government for its tendency to swear at reality in its defenses and the fundamental lawlessness of the behavior they are trying to block.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

And yet, in a version of Britain the rest of Europe has abandoned to death and lawlessness, Kelson survives because of his dedication to artistic and scientific curiosity.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

Last month, as part of a "clean-up" campaign across Johannesburg, the city council said the inner city had been "targeted... for the systemic removal of pervasive lawlessness, illegal activities, hijacked properties, and critical by-law infringements".

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2025

And God ordered his left hand, the angel Gabriel, to go down to Earth and stop the lawlessness.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

Related Words

• chaos
• confusion
• disorder
• terrorism