culture of lawlessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "culture of lawlessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a societal environment where laws are not respected or enforced, leading to disorder and chaos. Example: "The rise in crime rates has created a culture of lawlessness in the city, making residents feel unsafe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Without a national immigration policy, a new culture of lawlessness will increasingly permeate our society.

The New York Times

There are also industries where the culture of lawlessness – and impunity – is well known.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their problems do not just arise from the disdain of state and society but also from a culture of lawlessness within sections of that diverse community.

The Economist

In May, I joined a fact-finding mission to the commonwealth with the American Civil Liberties Union, which had extensively documented the culture of lawlessness.

The New York Times

Antony Goldman, a west Africa analyst at London-based PM Consultheg, saillegalillegal sale of oil had created "a culture of lawlessness" in the coastal zone.

The Guardian

But Prague's CorruptTour agency showcases the darker side of the city — the culture of lawlessness and corruption that has undermined the country since the Velvet Revolution overthrew Communism in 1989.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Romania's foibles have provoked debate about whether it and Bulgaria, which both entered the European Union in 2007, were invited too soon, before their cultures of lawlessness, corruption and winner-take-all politics had been uprooted.

The New York Times

The case is also a test of the nascent legal institutions and rule of law as Kosovo seeks to overcome a culture of endemic lawlessness and corruption that has reached the highest levels of government.

The New York Times

But since then the country has been plagued by a culture of graft and lawlessness, the legacy of decades of Communist rule.

The New York Times

Correction: Jean-Bertrand Aristide ReprintsThe minibuses have become a symbol of a vast informal economy and of a culture of "informality" or lawlessness that extends to much of life in Peru.

The Economist

Analysts hailed it as a sign of political maturity in a nation struggling to shed a culture of graft and lawlessness that was honed during decades of Communist rule.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the long-term impact of "culture of lawlessness", provide specific examples of how it affects social institutions and economic development.

Common error

Avoid using "culture of lawlessness" to describe minor or isolated incidents. Reserve it for situations where disregard for law is widespread and systemic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "culture of lawlessness" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a prevailing societal condition where the disregard for legal rules and regulations is commonplace. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "culture of lawlessness" effectively describes a society where disregard for the law is widespread. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and formal contexts. While alternatives like "state of lawlessness" or "climate of impunity" exist, it's important to use "culture of lawlessness" when describing a deeply ingrained societal norm, rather than isolated incidents. As Ludwig's analysis highlights, avoid overstating its scope to maintain accuracy and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of lawlessness

Similar, but emphasizes the condition rather than the ingrained nature of the problem.

lawless environment

Similar, but uses "environment" to describe the setting.

climate of impunity

Focuses on the lack of accountability for illegal actions, rather than the widespread disregard for law itself.

environment of disorder

Describes a lack of structure and control, broader than just legal aspects.

reign of anarchy

Emphasizes the absence of any governing authority or rules.

breakdown of order

Highlights the disintegration of societal structure and regulations.

era of corruption

Focuses on dishonesty and abuse of power, specifically, within a certain time frame.

society without rules

A more general description of a community lacking legal or ethical guidelines.

rise of criminality

Focuses on the increasing prevalence of illegal activities.

anarchy

A shorter, more direct term indicating the absence of any controlling system.

FAQs

How can I use "culture of lawlessness" in a sentence?

You can use "culture of lawlessness" to describe environments where laws are not respected or enforced, leading to disorder and chaos. For instance: "The prolonged conflict has fostered a "culture of lawlessness" in the region, hindering reconstruction efforts".

What are some alternatives to "culture of lawlessness"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "climate of impunity", "state of lawlessness", or "environment of disorder".

Is it appropriate to use "culture of lawlessness" in formal writing?

Yes, "culture of lawlessness" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation where laws are widely disregarded. Ensure your usage is supported by evidence and context.

What's the difference between "state of lawlessness" and "culture of lawlessness"?

"State of lawlessness" refers to a specific condition or situation where laws are not being enforced, while "culture of lawlessness" implies a more ingrained and pervasive societal attitude of disregarding laws.