unpunishable
Definition
Adjective: "unpunishable" describes an action, person, or offense that cannot be punished or is not subject to punishment, either because it is not considered wrong or due to legal or moral constraints.
Usage Examples
- (The offense was too trivial to warrant any legal penalty.)
- (Children below a certain age cannot face legal consequences.)
- (The behaviour was not covered by any regulation.)
Advanced Usage
"legally unpunishable": not subject to legal penalty due to a loophole or immunity.
- Diplomats are often legally unpunishable for minor offenses while abroad. (They have immunity from prosecution.)
"morally unpunishable": not deserving punishment from an ethical standpoint.
- The act of self-defense is often considered morally unpunishable. (It is justified and not blameworthy.)
Variants and Related Words
Unpunishably (adverb): in a manner that cannot be punished.
- He acted unpunishably, as his actions were protected by law. (He could not be penalized.)
Punishable (adj): capable of being punished.
- Theft is a punishable offense in most countries. (It can lead to legal consequences.)
Punishment (n): the penalty imposed for an offense.
- The punishment for the crime was a fine. (The consequence.)
Synonyms
- Exempt from punishment: not subject to penalty.
- Not liable: not legally responsible for punishment.
- Immune: protected from punishment (often used for diplomats or officials).
Related Idioms
Above the law: exempt from legal punishment.
- Some officials act as if they are above the law, but their actions are not truly unpunishable. (They behave without fear of consequences.)
Get away with murder: to avoid punishment for a serious offense.
- He thought he could get away with murder, but the crime was not unpunishable. (He believed he would not be caught.)