state of lawlessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of lawlessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where laws are not being enforced or where there is widespread disorder and chaos. Example: "The region descended into a state of lawlessness after the government collapsed, leading to rampant crime and violence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Why are we surprised at the continuing state of lawlessness in Iraq?

The New York Times

The interlocking stories of three characters, each of whom takes advantage of the state of lawlessness, make up the narrative.

The New York Times - Books

But how to bring them to heel while depending on them for security has eluded the weak transitional government, trapping Libya in a state of lawlessness.

The New York Times

No member of the National Rifle Association would wish to live in the state of lawlessness that Mr. Kristof describes in parts of Yemen.

The New York Times

Critics will excoriate this "amnesty" as capitulating to criminals, but it is far better than forcing generally law-abiding people to live in a persistent and incurable state of lawlessness.

The Economist

Mr. Fayyad, he said, was associated with moving the authority "from a state of lawlessness to order and due process and from a chaotic financial situation, corruption and a poor image to a situation of proper financial management".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Although the war had officially ended, a state of anarchy and lawlessness pervaded in the first days following the demise of Vitellius.

Wikipedia

As unfolded in Afghanistan after we ousted the Soviet Union by supporting the fanatical mujahideen, Gaddafi's ouster regressed Libya towards state-of-nature lawlessness.

Huffington Post

An Iraqi prostitute, in a state of growing lawlessness, is a distinctly vulnerable figure.

The New Yorker

"We are still in a state of absolute lawlessness and people are shooting all the time," said Shama B. Magomaev, deputy to Grozny's mayor.

The New York Times

However, we are still in a state of raw lawlessness when it comes to the relationship between generations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political instability or societal breakdown, use "state of lawlessness" to accurately convey the absence of legal authority and the resulting chaos.

Common error

Avoid using "state of lawlessness" to describe minor infractions or disagreements; reserve it for situations where there is a genuine and widespread collapse of legal structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of lawlessness" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing situations where laws are not being enforced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of lawlessness" accurately describes a situation where a legal system has broken down, leading to disorder and chaos. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, predominantly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "anarchy" or "lawlessness" exist, "state of lawlessness" provides a specific emphasis on the breakdown of legal structures. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and professional discussions of political instability or societal issues. Remember to reserve it for situations of genuine collapse of legal structures and avoid overuse in minor contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lawlessness

A shorter, more direct synonym for "state of lawlessness".

absence of law and order

A more descriptive way of saying there's no law.

anarchy

Implies a complete absence of governing authority and widespread chaos.

condition of anarchy

Rephrases anarchy as a condition.

collapse of the rule of law

Highlights the failure of the legal system.

state of disorder

Focuses on the lack of order and control.

society in chaos

Highlights the chaotic state of the society.

breakdown of order

Emphasizes the process of societal collapse.

atmosphere of impunity

Focuses on the lack of accountability for actions.

reign of terror

Suggests a period of intense violence and fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "state of lawlessness" to describe situations where laws are not enforced and disorder prevails. For instance, "The country descended into a "state of lawlessness" after the coup."

What are some alternatives to "state of lawlessness"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "anarchy", "lawlessness", or "state of disorder" instead of "state of lawlessness".

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

Yes, "state of lawlessness" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing political science, history, or current events where the legal system has broken down.

What distinguishes a "state of lawlessness" from a "state of chaos"?

While both terms describe disorder, "state of lawlessness" specifically refers to the absence or failure of legal authority, whereas "state of chaos" is a broader term that encompasses any situation of extreme confusion and disorder, regardless of the legal context.