# unpunished

/ənˈpənɪʃt/ (US) · /ʌnpˈʌnɪʃt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unpunished
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

not being punished for a crime or a mistake. You use this to describe someone who did something wrong but did not face any consequences.

For teachers: not subjected to a penalty or retribution for an offence or error. Often used to describe a state of impunity or a lack of legal consequence.

## Examples

- The thief escaped and remained unpunished.
- The witness felt that the guilty party would remain unpunished if the evidence was not found.
- In some historical contexts, certain crimes were considered unpunished by the state, leading to a culture of impunity that eventually sparked significant social unrest.

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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.