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 of lawless

• criminal
• rebellious
• anarchic
• illegal
• disorderly
• illicit

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

Temporary means temporary and this is yet another lawless and activist order from the federal judiciary who continues to undermine our immigration laws. —CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026

The proliferation of novel cognitive frameworks through social media, as well as the election of corrupt and lawless people to high office, has intimidated the old elites into hastily reevaluating what is appropriate. —Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Conversations between Linda and Bradley play like a high-stakes battle of wits, but their director is never so far away as to make the match feel lawless. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026

Lane lines on the roads become mere suggestions in that lawless clime, as do traffic lights. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026

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