a degree of impunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a degree of impunity' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of accountability in a given situation, or to describe a situation in which someone is not held accountable for their actions. For example, you might say, "The political party enjoyed a degree of impunity due to their strong public popularity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The result was a degree of impunity.

The New Yorker

This allows Kantor to write about Sasha and Malia with a degree of impunity.

The New York Times - Books

And his contacts various governments and intelligence agencies, Keefe writes, gave him "a degree of impunity".

The New Yorker

Guzmán had enjoyed a degree of impunity during his years at large, operating out of a series of mountain hideouts in his home state of Sinaloa.

The New Yorker

sent him a letter contending that the police had "engaged in a level of brutality against U.S. citizens" with a degree of impunity that "would not be tolerated in the 50 states".

The New York Times

No top-level bankers reached criminal trials or went to prison, or even faced the possibility of either, leaving the public with a sense that the financial industry operated with a degree of impunity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While paedophilia is a criminal offence, the law creates an environment in which children, primarily girls, are prostituted with a worrying degree of impunity.

The Guardian

Few are ever convicted because politicians enjoyed a high degree of impunity.

The Guardian

But other cases, as Ramos's abduction appears to be, are more elaborately planned by criminal gangs, which operate with a large degree of impunity in Venezuela.

The New York Times - Sports

"But civic organizations and N.G.O.'s consider that there's a high degree of impunity, and Karzai's ability to exercise his authority is eroding".

The New York Times

The devil-may-care posturing by Brazilian criminals suggests a disturbing degree of impunity that, in the end, is the common thread linking all of Brazil's current crises.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a degree of impunity", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific actions or behaviors that are not being adequately addressed or punished. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of impunity" when the situation involves complete and total freedom from consequences. The phrase implies a partial or limited lack of accountability, not an absolute one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of impunity" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is acceptable and commonly used. It describes the extent to which someone is exempt from punishment or negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of impunity" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a limited or partial exemption from punishment or accountability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, as supported by Ludwig examples, its purpose is to highlight situations where actions are not adequately addressed, raising concerns about justice and fairness. While the phrase is not overly formal, its neutral register makes it appropriate for professional contexts. When using the expression, ensure it accurately reflects the partial nature of the lack of accountability. Finally, similar expressions, such as "relative immunity from accountability" or "partial freedom from punishment", can be employed to refine the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain amount of unaccountability

Directly addresses the lack of accountability, though less common phrasing.

relative immunity from accountability

Emphasizes the limited nature of the protection from being held responsible.

reduced susceptibility to penalty

Focuses on the decreased likelihood of being penalized.

partial freedom from punishment

Highlights the reduced likelihood of facing penalties.

limited exposure to repercussions

Highlights the lessened vulnerability to adverse effects.

limited risk of consequences

Stresses the reduced chance of negative outcomes.

some level of exemption

Focuses on the exemption aspect, less on the negative connotation of impunity.

some margin for transgression

Suggests an accepted level of violation.

certain leeway from the law

Suggests a relaxation of legal constraints.

some latitude in conduct

Implies a broader allowance for behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "a degree of impunity" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree of impunity" to describe situations where individuals or groups are partially exempt from the consequences of their actions. For example, "The company operated with "a degree of impunity" due to weak regulatory oversight."

What's a good alternative to "a degree of impunity"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a degree of impunity" include "relative immunity from accountability", "partial freedom from punishment", or "limited risk of consequences".

Is it better to say "a degree of impunity" or "complete impunity"?

"A degree of impunity" suggests a partial or limited exemption from consequences, while "complete impunity" indicates total freedom from any repercussions. The best choice depends on the specific situation you are describing.

What are the implications of allowing "a degree of impunity"?

Allowing "a degree of impunity" can lead to a decline in accountability, encourage further misconduct, and erode public trust in institutions or systems.