act with impunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"act with impunity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to do something without facing any repercussions or consequences, e.g., "The mayor acted with impunity, believing he was above the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Criminals act with impunity.

The Economist

Villains often act with impunity.

The Economist

"They thought they could act with impunity".

The New York Times

"Poachers think they can act with impunity.

The Guardian

Rewarding failure allows these companies to act with impunity".

Independent

Poachers act with impunity knowing they are very rarely caught.

The Guardian

Guzmán agrees gangs act with impunity in Venezuela.

The Guardian

"They may be able to act with impunity at home, but they won't be able to act with impunity elsewhere," Mr. Browder said.

The New York Times

It is most visible in the black-clad, helmeted police officers who still act with impunity.

The New York Times

No one should be allowed to act with impunity; everyone should be accountable.

Independent

It's no wonder that our tenant apparently believed he could act with impunity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act with impunity", consider specifying the system or authority that is failing to provide oversight. For example, "The corporation acted with impunity due to weak regulatory enforcement."

Common error

Avoid using "act with impunity" when you mean simple legal immunity. Impunity implies a broader sense of being above consequences, while immunity usually refers to specific legal protections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act with impunity" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to perform actions without fear of punishment or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often highlights a lack of accountability or oversight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act with impunity" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where individuals or groups are not held accountable for their actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in news and media sources, highlighting cases of injustice, abuse of power, or lack of effective oversight. When writing, remember that "act with impunity" carries a strong negative connotation and implies wrongdoing. Alternatives like "operate unchecked" or "go scot-free" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be careful not to confuse impunity with simple legal immunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have free rein

Indicates unrestricted freedom to act as one pleases.

operate unchecked

Focuses on the lack of external oversight or regulation.

evade accountability

Highlights the avoidance of responsibility for one's actions.

be above the law

Implies a sense of superiority and exemption from legal consequences.

escape consequences

Focuses on avoiding the negative outcomes that typically follow certain actions.

go scot-free

Specifically emphasizes avoiding punishment or negative repercussions.

disregard the law

Emphasizes the ignoring or violation of legal standards.

flout the rules

Suggests a deliberate disregard for established regulations.

get away with

Informal expression indicating success in avoiding punishment or negative consequences.

act without restraint

Highlights a lack of self-control or external limitations on behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "act with impunity" in a sentence?

You can use "act with impunity" to describe situations where someone does something wrong and faces no consequences, such as "The dictator was able to "act with impunity" because there was no one to hold him accountable".

What does it mean to say someone can "act with impunity"?

When someone can "act with impunity", it means they can perform actions, often unethical or illegal, without fear of punishment or negative repercussions. It implies a lack of accountability.

Which is a better phrase, "act with impunity" or "operate unchecked"?

Both "act with impunity" and "operate unchecked" suggest a lack of oversight, but "act with impunity" carries a stronger implication of wrongdoing and the absence of consequences. "Operate unchecked" simply means not being monitored.

What are some words related to "act with impunity"?

Related words include "go scot-free", "evade accountability", and "be above the law". These phrases all describe situations where individuals are not held responsible for their actions.