impunity
Americannoun
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exemption from punishment.
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immunity from detrimental effects, as of an action.
noun
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exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination
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exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences
a successful career marked by impunity from early mistakes
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with no unpleasant consequences
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with no care or heed for such consequences
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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
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.
"Efforts to further bolster the rule of law, particularly in the justice and detention sectors, must remain a priority to be able to tackle corruption and impunity," said Turk.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.
From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026
However, someone who has amassed a vast fortune, especially through entrepreneurial skill, Mr. McGinnis argues, has greater freedom to act with impunity or champion unpopular causes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026
The central question: Will there ever come a time when justice will prevail — and impunity will recede — in cases of Mexican journalists targeted by organized crime, corrupt politicians and others?
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026
Calling infinitesimals “ghosts of departed quantities,” Berkeley showed how making these infinitesimals disappear with impunity can lead to a contradiction.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
