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

Hilton, a former Fox News host, wrote in an email that “every sane person is horrified by the scenes of chaos and lawlessness in Minneapolis, and most of all that people are getting killed.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

"It's the stress, the nerves, the pressure, the lawlessness inflicted on you," that breaks families apart, he adds.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 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

It isn’t able to hold territory, but it is contributing to a sense of lawlessness that’s adding to the stress on the new state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 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