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

In a dystopian future where Manhattan has been transformed into a maximum-security prison, the United States government faces a crisis when Air Force One crashes inside the city’s lawless ruins, leaving the President (Donald Pleasence) stranded. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

In Congress, Democrats should bring impeachment articles against lawless Trump Cabinet members, as well as against the dictator-in-chief himself. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025

The danger of a Supreme Court and Justice Department that sets aside the rule of law for one lawless man. —arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025

People are suffering under this new order and the Trump administration's lawless actions will not go unchallenged. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lawless

• aulus
• flawless
• solace
• squalus

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