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Lawlessness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Lawlessness refers to a state of disorder where there is no effective rule of law, leading to chaos or crime. It describes situations where authority is ignored or absent.

lawlessness

/ˈlɔləsnəs/ /ˈlɔːləsnəs/

Definition:

The absence of laws or disregard for legal authority, leading to disorder and chaos.

Synonyms:

anarchy, disorder, chaos, mayhem

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

order, lawfulness

Common Collocations:

rampant lawlessness, urban lawlessness, political lawlessness

Derivatives:

lawless, lawlessly

Usage Tips:

Use "lawlessness" to describe societal breakdowns where rules are ignored or unenforced.

Common Phrases:

descent into lawlessness, reign of lawlessness, spiral of lawlessness

Etymology:

Derived from "lawless," meaning without laws, from Old English "lagu" (law) + "-less" (without).

Examples:

  • 1. The city fell into lawlessness after the government collapsed.
  • 2. Lawlessness spread quickly when the police went on strike.
  • 3. The film depicts a dystopian future filled with violence and lawlessness.
  • 4. Protesters warned that corruption would lead to widespread lawlessness.

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