impunity

/ɪmˈpjuːnəti/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈpjuːnəti/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈpyü-nə-tē/ (ame, mw)

impunity — noun

1. the state of being able to do something wrong or harmful without being punished

1.名詞C1
釋義

the state of being able to do something wrong or harmful without being punished or facing any negative consequences — for example, a corrupt official who steals public money without ever being investigated or charged.

例句

The dictator governed for twenty years with complete impunity, never facing trial for his crimes.

collocation: 'with complete impunity'

Large companies should not be allowed to dump toxic waste into rivers with impunity.

同義詞
  • immunity

    'immunity' is a formal legal protection granted beforehand; 'impunity' describes the actual escape from consequences

  • exemption

    'exemption' implies being officially excused from a rule or duty; 'impunity' focuses on not suffering punishment for wrongdoing

反義詞
  • accountability

    the state of being held responsible for one's actions

  • liability

    legal responsibility for something, especially harm caused

文法句型

with + impunity

用法筆記

Usually used in the fixed phrase 'with impunity' — the pattern is uncommon outside this structure. Unlike 'immunity', which suggests a legal or medical protection granted in advance, 'impunity' describes the actual outcome of escaping punishment after a wrongdoing.

常見錯誤

❌The diplomat had impunity from prosecution.
✅The diplomat had immunity from prosecution.
💡'immunity' is the legal protection itself; 'impunity' refers to actually escaping punishment, not to a formal right.