unpunished
Escaped deserved penalty
Unpunished describes wrongdoing that receives no penalty or consequence.
Crimes go unpunished when offenders escape justice.
Bad behavior goes unpunished when no one intervenes.
The word often carries moral weight—an implication that punishment was deserved but not delivered: He can't be allowed to go unpunished for what he did.
Not required to justify
- scot-freeWithout penalty or harm
- uncheckedNot controlled or limited
- unpenalizedNot facing consequences
- unrebukedNot formally criticized
undisciplined · unchastised · uncorrected · unsanctioned · unaddressed · overlooked · disregarded · ignored
Not subject to
- immuneProtected from harm
- untouchableExempt from criticism or harm
- shieldedProtected from harm
- protectedKept from harm
absolved · exonerated · acquitted · cleared · amnestied · forgiven · reprieved · spared
Unfair distribution or treatment
- unfairnessUnjust or biased treatment
- wrongdoingUnethical or illegal action
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
oppression · violation · transgression · misconduct · malfeasance · atrocity · crime · offense
Escape by cunning
- eludeSkillfully avoid capture
- escapeFlight from captivity
- fleeDepart swiftly from threat
- abscondFlee to avoid capture
fugitive · undetected · unapprehended · uncaught · at large · wanted · on the run · hiding
unaccountable
Not required to justify
- scot-freeWithout penalty or harm
- uncheckedNot controlled or limited
- unpenalizedNot facing consequences
unrebuked · undisciplined · unchastised · uncorrected · unsanctioned · unaddressed · overlooked · disregarded · ignored · tolerated
exempt
Not subject to
- immuneProtected from harm
- untouchableExempt from criticism or harm
- shieldedProtected from harm
protected · absolved · exonerated · acquitted · cleared · amnestied · forgiven · reprieved · spared · let go
inequity
Unfair distribution or treatment
- unfairnessUnjust or biased treatment
- wrongdoingUnethical or illegal action
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
abuse · oppression · violation · transgression · misconduct · malfeasance · atrocity · crime · offense · perpetrator
evade
Escape by cunning
abscond · fugitive · undetected · unapprehended · uncaught · at large · wanted · on the run · hiding · concealed
unpunishedpunished
Penalized for misbehavior
penalized · disciplined · chastised · held accountable · sentenced
- no good deed goes unpunishedBenevolence often brings misfortune