# impunity

/ˌɪmˈpjunɪti/ (US) · /ɪmpjˈuːnɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impunity
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He broke the law with total impunity.
- The corrupt officials acted with impunity, knowing that the local police would never investigate their financial dealings.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.