WordGarden.iolawless
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɔːləs/
US
- /ˈlɔləs/
Meanings
Adjective
without effective law or public order
disregarding the law; criminal or unlawful
Beyond the definition
Imagine a town where the sheriff has left, and no one follows the rules anymore - that's lawless. It describes a place or situation where laws are missing, weak, or ignored, so order starts to break down. Think of cowboys in the Wild West, pirates on the high seas, or a region where gangs act freely and no one feels protected. The word often carries a sense of danger and disorder. You might describe a period in history as lawless if it was marked by widespread crime, violence, and little real control.
The word lawless paints a picture of a place or time where laws are absent, ignored, or not enforced. It's more than just lacking rules; it suggests a breakdown of order and the strong possibility of chaos. While it is often linked with historical periods like the American Wild West - think dusty saloons and gunfights - lawless can apply to many situations.
A city overrun by gangs might be described as lawless, suggesting that criminals operate without fear of consequences. A political climate where corruption is rampant could also be considered lawless. The term isn't limited to physical spaces either; a lawless debate, for example, would be one filled with personal attacks and disregard for respectful discourse.
Interestingly, lawless doesn't always mean actively evil. It means being without the restraint of law or proper authority. Sometimes, characters in stories deliberately choose a lawless life - outlaws rejecting society's rules. But more often, the word suggests danger, fear, and vulnerability for people trying to live safely within an established system.
So, when you encounter the word lawless, think beyond simply "breaking the law." It points to a deeper absence of control: a world where rules no longer protect people, anything might happen, and consequences are uncertain.
Examples
- 1
Public order
After the police left, the town became almost lawless.
- 2
Armed control
The report describes a lawless region where armed groups control the roads.
- 3
Local violence
The mayor promised to stop the lawless violence that had frightened local residents.
- 4
Reckless driving
Some drivers treat the streets as a lawless playground, racing through red lights.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Western stories
In old western stories, the frontier is often shown as wild and lawless.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lawlessadjective