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

My friend chose to pray instead of conceding to the lawless demands. — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026

Few components of travel these days are as reliably lawless as the boarding process. — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 July 2026

Set in post-Civil War America, former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) joins the lawless traveling town ‘Hell on Wheels,’ which follows the construction of the first-ever transcontinental railroad. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Ser Jasper is arrested, but the atmosphere in the city is lawless. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 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