lawlessness

[ law-lis-nis ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lawlessness¹

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

Example Sentences

Panic over lawlessness in San Francisco drove the progressive Boudin’s ouster two years ago, even though crime rates fell while he was in office.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Trump’s corruption and lawlessness go beyond elections: It’s his whole ethos.

From Salon

California voters on Tuesday approved a November ballot measure that will impose stricter penalties for repeat theft and crimes involving fentanyl, steering away from recent progressive policies that critics blamed for increased lawlessness.

From Los Angeles Times

That reform has been scorned by critics who claim there was a rise in property crimes and lawlessness after its passage, despite a recent think tank report that found little evidence to suggest Proposition 47 is directly to blame for fluctuations in property and drug crimes in the decade since.

From Los Angeles Times

But Garcia doesn’t understand why routine lawlessness in the area is generally tolerated by authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chaos
• confusion
• disorder
• terrorism