unlawful

Everyday

Not allowed by law; against the law; illegal. tree →

In the lessons

In formal language, news and law, «unlawful» means illegal: unlawful killing, unlawful entry. In citizenship and safety lessons, it helps to understand that some actions break the law. Adverb: unlawfully.

Examples

• It is unlawful to sell alcohol to children. tree →
• The judge said the arrest was unlawful. tree →
• Unlawful entry means going into a building without the right to. tree →
• The court called the sacking unlawful. tree →
• Dumping rubbish in the river is unlawful. tree →
• He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. tree →

Note

Same as illegal but more formal. Opposite: lawful, legal. Do not write «unlegal».