lawless

adjective

law·​less ˈlȯ-ləs 

1

: not regulated by or based on law

2

a

: not restrained or controlled by law : unruly

b

: illegal

lawlessly adverb

lawlessness noun

Synonyms

• anarchic
• anarchical
• disorderly
• lawbreaking
• unruly

Examples of lawless in a Sentence

the lawless society of the frontier

the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight

Recent Examples on the Web

When the shootings — and his subsequent, murderous live TV appearance as Joker — inspire lawless mobs in clown masks to riot against the rich, one such criminal shoots down Bruce’s parents outside of a movie theater, setting off Bruce’s own journey into becoming Batman. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024

Advertisement Trump painted California as a lawless, dystopian state, and at times correctly touched on the economic struggles faced by many residents. —Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024

Under the guise of protecting freedom of expression, complete lawless zones have flourished. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024

What happens now? July 7, 2024 In lawless Gaza, cigarette smuggling fuels attacks on aid trucks July 8, 2024 Subscribe to comment and get the full experience. —Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, 28 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lawless

adjective

law·​less ˈlȯ-ləs 

1

: not based on or regulated by law

the lawless society of the frontier

2

: not controlled by law : unruly, disorderly

lawless mob

lawlessly adverb

lawlessness noun

Legal Definition

lawless

adjective

law·​less

1

: not restrained or controlled by law

2

: illegal

a lawless act

lawlessly adverb

lawlessness noun