lawlessness
Americannoun
-
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.
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of lawlessness
First recorded in 1585–95; lawless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
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.
"I am worried that lawlessness could spread in the city, and I am also afraid for my life. I want us to quickly return to law and order," added another resident.
From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026
Previous Haitian investigations into the assassination have stalled due to widespread gang control and lawlessness in the country.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
“The result is deteriorating public health, increased lawlessness and a bleak environment for small businesses.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026
“So if this were complete lawlessness by the government, it couldn’t be stopped?” pressed Judge Patricia Millett, an Obama appointee.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 2026
Japan seemed to have a sort of orderly lawlessness.
From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
