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

Typically set in the mid-to-late-1800s on the American frontier, these films often feature characters who make their own rules, from bounty hunters and cowboys to outlaws in lawless territories. —Sezin Devi Keohler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

Other than cowardice, there was no reason to ignore a lawless nation, Iran, with a mass-murdering leader intent on building nuclear bombs. —Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Congress must pass a War Powers Resolution immediately and hold this lawless president accountable. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026

Our cities are under attack by lawless law enforcement. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 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