sense of impunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of impunity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feeling of being exempt from punishment or consequences, for example "He had a sense of impunity when committing his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet the sense of impunity is unchanged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Karzai's initial reaction to the files bespeaks a sense of impunity.

The New Yorker

It is this sense of impunity that worried Smith about the wealth pursuit.

The New York Times

"There is a sense of impunity because there is no sanction in the family".

The New York Times

The exhibition is a stark reminder of the sense of impunity that persists in Mexico.

The Guardian

His police culture fostered a sense of impunity for law enforcement that led to widespread reliance on torture.

The New York Times

The DCM remarked that XXXXXXXXXXXX responses to allegations XXXXXXXXXXXX were opaque and even projected a sense of impunity.

The Guardian

Noting a "sense of impunity" sowed during the Berlusconi years, "the deterioration of the meaning of politics and its nature" has led Italy to this point, he added.

The New York Times

The danger is, however, that their reputation as "chauds lapins" (hot rabbits), to use the French term, can give them a sense of impunity.

The New York Times

Even the suggestion that soldiers accused of abuses might be brought to book would begin to erode the army's sense of impunity.

The Economist

Third, there is a sense of impunity, of safety from personal injury and punishment so long as the individual is on the side of the crowd.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of impunity" to underscore the psychological dimension of criminal behavior, suggesting an internal belief in exemption that fuels unethical or illegal actions.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of impunity" when simply describing a lack of awareness or ignorance of rules. The phrase implies a deliberate belief in one's exemption from consequences, not just a misunderstanding of regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of impunity" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subjective state of feeling exempt from punishment or negative consequences for one's actions. This often relates to legal, ethical, or social norms. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of impunity" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the feeling of being exempt from punishment, often highlighting injustice or abuse of power. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a belief in exemption from consequences, rather than a simple lack of awareness. Consider alternatives like "feeling of exemption from punishment" or "belief in freedom from accountability" for nuanced expression. Be mindful that misusing this phrase can be easily mistaken with "lack of awareness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of exemption from punishment

Focuses on the emotional aspect of being excused from penalties.

belief in freedom from accountability

Highlights the cognitive aspect of believing one will not be held responsible.

assurance of non-punishment

Emphasizes the certainty associated with avoiding penalties.

presumption of exemption

Highlights the assumption that one is not subject to the rules.

conviction of being above the law

Implies a strong belief that one is not subject to legal constraints.

freedom from consequences

Broadens the idea to include all types of repercussions, not just legal ones.

exemption from responsibility

Emphasizes the lack of obligation to answer for one's actions.

immunity from prosecution

Specifically refers to legal protection from being charged with a crime.

privilege to disregard rules

Highlights the unfair advantage some may feel they possess.

license to act without restraint

Suggests a permission, either explicit or implicit, to behave without limitations.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of impunity" to describe a situation where individuals or groups believe they are exempt from punishment for their actions. For example, "The corrupt officials acted with a "sense of impunity", confident that they would not be held accountable".

What is the difference between "sense of impunity" and "entitlement"?

"Entitlement" refers to the belief that one deserves special treatment or privileges, while "sense of impunity" specifically relates to the belief that one is exempt from punishment or consequences for their actions. While related, they are distinct concepts.

What can I say instead of "sense of impunity"?

Alternatives to "sense of impunity" include "feeling of exemption from punishment", "belief in freedom from accountability", or "assurance of non-punishment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sense of impunity" a formal or informal expression?

"Sense of impunity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it often appears in news and academic writing, it is also understandable and appropriate in general conversation.