What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unlawfulness
Example
The company was fined for the unlawfulness of their business practices. [unlawfulness: noun]
Example
The court found him guilty of unlawfulness for his involvement in the illegal activity. [unlawfulness: noun]
lawlessness
Example
The town was in a state of lawlessness after the hurricane destroyed all the infrastructure. [lawlessness: noun]
Example
The gang took advantage of the lawlessness in the area to carry out their criminal activities. [lawlessness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lawlessness is more commonly used than unlawfulness in everyday language. Lawlessness is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while unlawfulness is more specific and is typically used in legal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unlawfulness and lawlessness?
Unlawfulness is more formal than lawlessness. It is often used in legal or official contexts and has a more legalistic connotation. Lawlessness, on the other hand, is more colloquial and informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.