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

• criminal
• anarchical
• rebellious
• anarchic
• illegal
• disorderly

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

Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals in Venezuela’s central state of Aragua. —Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

Most Arizona suburbanites apparently live in a lawless Wild West in terms of crime, traffic accidents and alcohol abuse, according to a new study. —Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Today, what was once the cultural and financial hub of the enclave, lies in lawless ruins, devastated by months of a brutal Israeli assault triggered by Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel almost two years ago. —Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025

The last thing law enforcement should be doing is engaging in actions that create a more lawless society. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 Aug. 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