lawlessness

USAGE SUMMARY

'lawlessness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun which means the state or condition of being without laws, regulation, or order. Example: The city had descended into a state of utter lawlessness, with rampant crime and looting taking over the streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Extremists do, as Cameron said, "thrive when they have ungoverned spaces in which they can exist, build and plan" and the aftermath of the Arab spring has not just opened up new terrain but also exacerbated existing problems of lawlessness and criminality.

The Guardian

The litany of brutality, lawlessness and lack of accountability serves as a reminder of what a horrible decision President Obama made at the outset of his administration to close the books on this chapter in our history, even as he repudiated the use of torture.

The Guardian

By far the most common current starting point is Libya, where lawlessness and a long and generally unpatrolled Mediterranean coastline has made life easy for people smugglers.

The Guardian

The suit, filed in October by Kathleen Zellner – the same Chicago-area attorney attempting a civil-rights lawsuit against the detective turned Guantánamo torturer Richard Zuley – describes an ongoing "culture of lawlessness" at the jail she likened to a "Chicago version of Abu Ghraib".

The Guardian

It was an era marked by economic dysfunction, lawlessness, rampant corruption and a ruinous war in the southern territory of Chechnya.

The Guardian

If she does win, Honduras looks set to add political confrontation to run-away drug crime and general lawlessness.

The Economist

This new piracy was characterised by lawlessness and deception, and she saw it as including surprise attacks as well as blatant threats.

The Economist

The South-East Asian nightmare is of an imploding Indonesia disgorging lawlessness, piracy and boat people.

The Economist

But Russia's lawlessness, its shoddy infrastructure and above all its tendency to bully countries over which it has some sort of economic influence make Caspian regimes nervous.

The Economist

Research & Collection Services (RCS), a private-investigation and debt-collection firm, which has prospered amid the lawlessness of Pakistan, is now turning to another ancient money-spinner: the tax farm.For years Pakistan's state broadcaster has struggled to collect its annual licence fees.

The Economist

Recently Gaza has woken daily to new tokens of the lawlessness that has reigned there since the Israeli disengagement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "lawlessness", provide specific examples to illustrate the context and impact. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lawlessness" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the types of violations or lack of governance to provide a more nuanced and accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The noun "lawlessness" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys the absence of law and order. Examples show it depicting societal breakdown or defiance of legal norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lawlessness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes a state of disorder and absence of legal control. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, signaling serious societal issues. When writing about "lawlessness", it's best to provide specific examples and avoid overgeneralization to maintain clarity and accuracy. Related terms include ""anarchy"", ""disorder"", and ""chaos"", each with nuanced differences. It's a valuable term for discussing governance, legal systems, and social stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anarchy

Focuses on the complete absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual, regarded as a political ideal.

disorder

Highlights the disruption of systematic functioning or regulation.

chaos

Emphasizes a state of utter confusion or lack of order.

unruliness

Underscores a lack of discipline or control.

absence of law and order

Specifically points to the non-existence of legal structure and its enforcement.

outlawry

Highlights the state of being an outlaw or outside the protection of the law.

state of emergency

Implies a temporary situation where normal laws may be suspended to restore order.

breakdown of authority

Focuses on the failure or collapse of established power structures.

rule of the jungle

Suggests a situation where only the strongest survive and there are no rules.

erosion of legal norms

Emphasizes the gradual decline in the acceptance and enforcement of legal standards.

FAQs

How can I use "lawlessness" in a sentence?

You might say, "The prolonged political instability led to widespread "lawlessness" in the region" or "The government struggled to restore order after the "lawlessness" that followed the earthquake".

What are some synonyms for "lawlessness"?

Alternatives include "anarchy", "disorder", "chaos", or "outlawry", each carrying slightly different connotations depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "lawlessness" in formal writing?

Yes, "lawlessness" is a standard English term suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing legal, political, or social issues. Be sure to provide context to clarify the specific nature of the "lawlessness" you are describing.

What is the difference between "lawlessness" and "disobedience"?

"Lawlessness" refers to a general state of disorder and absence of legal control, while "disobedience" implies a specific act of defiance against established rules or authority. "Disobedience" can contribute to "lawlessness", but they are not synonymous.