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

City cops turned a bad week into a bad month, beating down the peaceful and the lawless alike and volleying rubber bullets into crowds. —Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025

Police have asked city officials to approve additional cameras, automatic license plate readers, as well as fencing and gates in areas around downtown to further curb street racing, sideshows, and dangerous vehicles exhibiting lawless behavior. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025

Venture into a lawless frontier and reveal deeper mysteries about a new Dredgen in Sol. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Those courageous enough to refuse to capitulate to the administration’s lawless requests have faced intensifying pressure and threats. —Erin M. Carr, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 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