VocabDictionary

lawlessness

/ˈlɔːlɪsnəs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A state of disorder due to a disregard or nonobservance of the law; unrestrained political or social anarchy.

Example Sentences:
  • The collapse of the central government led to widespread lawlessness in the capital.
  • Police struggled to restore order amidst the chaos and lawlessness of the riot.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “lawlessness”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English, combining 'law' (from Old Norse 'lög') with the Old English suffix '-lēas' (meaning lacking or devoid of) and the noun-forming suffix '-nes'. It literally describes a state or condition of being without law.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'law-less-ness': a situation that is LESS of the LAW, meaning complete chaos and absence of rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About “lawlessness

1. What is the meaning of “lawlessness” in English?

In English, lawlessness (noun) is defined as: “A state of disorder due to a disregard or nonobservance of the law; unrestrained political or social anarchy.”.

2. How do you use “lawlessness” in a sentence?

The collapse of the central government led to widespread lawlessness in the capital.

3. What are English synonyms of “lawlessness”?

Common synonyms include:anarchy,chaos,disorder,nihilism,impunity

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “lawlessness”?

Derived from Middle English, combining 'law' (from Old Norse 'lög') with the Old English suffix '-lēas' (meaning lacking or devoid of) and the noun-forming suffix '-nes'. It literally describes a state or condition of being without law.