Meaning & use

impunity

noun·Advanced

Exemption from punishment or unpleasant consequences for one's actions.

See it in a sentence

The corrupt official operated with impunity for years before finally facing charges.

Bullies who act with impunity often escalate their behavior over time.

A note on using this word

Impunity almost always appears in the phrase 'with impunity', describing wrongdoing that goes unpunished rather than any personal immunity from law.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “impunity”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.