victimless crime

American  

noun

1. a legal offense, as prostitution or gambling, to which all participating parties have consented.

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victimless crime British  

/ ˈvɪktɪmləs /

noun

1. a type of crime, such as insurance fraud, regarded by some people as being excusable because the victim is the state or an organization, rather than an individual

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victimless crime Cultural  

1. A term sometimes used for various acts that are considered crimes under the law but apparently have no victim. One such crime is prostitution, which is viewed by some as a commercial exchange between two consenting adults.

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Etymology

Origin of victimless crime

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

victimless crime

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: "Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and the mayor fully supports the Met Police's data-driven and targeted approach to tackling prolific offenders."

From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2026

The New South Wales government's environment department said that "the illegal wildlife trade is not a victimless crime", harming conservation and stripping the state "and Australia of its unique biodiversity".

From Barron's ● Feb. 17, 2026

Shirking tax obligations is not a victimless crime.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 5, 2023

And what about makeup application, a seemingly victimless crime?

From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2021

It’s not a victimless crime, nor is it just another economic choice.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 16, 2020