lawlessness

1 a state in which there is widespread wrongdoing and disregard for rules and authority the western frontier was notorious for its lawlessness Synonyms anarchy, misruleRelated Words anarchism; commotion, tumult, uproar; chaos, confusion, disarray, disorder, disorderliness, disorganization, misorder; disruption, disturbance, havoc, riot, strife, turbulence, turmoil, unrest, upheaval; mutiny, rebellion, revolution, uprising; criminality, outlawryNear Antonyms law, law-abidingness, lawfulness, legality, legitimacy, rule; calmness, harmony, order, orderliness, peace, peaceableness, peacefulness, quiet, tranquillity (or tranquility)

2 activities that are in violation of the laws of the state lawlessness in the city had reached an unconscionable and intolerable level Synonyms criminality, lawbreaking, crimeRelated Words outlawry; gangsterism, hooliganism, racketeering; malfeasance, misconduct; wrongdoing; evil, immorality, sin, wickedness; corruption, depravity; malefaction, misdeed, misdoing, offense (or offence), transgression, trespass