What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impunity
Example
The corrupt official acted with impunity, knowing that he would not be held accountable. [impunity: noun]
Example
The gang members continued to commit crimes with impunity, as they knew the police were powerless to stop them. [with impunity: adverb phrase]
immunity
Example
After recovering from COVID-19, she had immunity to the virus. [immunity: noun]
Example
The vaccine provides immunity against the flu. [immunity: noun]
Example
As a diplomat, he had diplomatic immunity and could not be arrested or prosecuted. [diplomatic immunity: noun phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Immunity is more commonly used than impunity in everyday language. Immunity is a common term used in the context of health and medicine, while impunity is less common and used mainly in the context of legal or social justice.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impunity and immunity?
Impunity is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, while immunity can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context of its usage.
