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

He describes a "lawlessness" among some of the travelling public - mostly younger people - which he believes has got worse in 38 years of driving Birmingham's bus routes.

From BBC

“His lawlessness inspired lawlessness. His rejection of norms called norms into question,” she notes.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, as part of a "clean-up" campaign across Johannesburg, the city council said the inner city had been "targeted... for the systemic removal of pervasive lawlessness, illegal activities, hijacked properties, and critical by-law infringements".

From BBC

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

However, Lord Justice Bean said this argument risked "encouraging further lawlessness".

From BBC

Related Words

• chaos
• confusion
• disorder
• terrorism