ENGLISH
REFERENCE

impunity

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪmˈpjunɪti// UK //ɪmpjˈuːnɪti// im·puni·ty

n. the ability to do something bad or illegal without being punished. You use this when someone breaks the rules but never gets into trouble for it.

n. exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action. Often used in political or legal contexts to describe a lack of accountability for those in power.


SIMPLE

He broke the law with total impunity.

CONTEXTUAL

The corrupt officials acted with impunity, knowing that the local police would never investigate their financial dealings.

COMPLEX

Human rights organizations warned that allowing these crimes to go unprosecuted would create a culture of impunity that could destabilize the entire region for decades.

Origin

From Middle French impunité, from Latin impunitas, from impunis (“without punishment”).

Usage

Typically follows the preposition 'with' ('with impunity').

© 2026 English Reference