unlawful

[ uhn-law-fuhl ]

adjective

1. not lawful; contrary to law; illegal.

   Synonyms: illicit

2. born out of wedlock; illegitimate.

   Synonyms: natural, bastard

unlawful

/ ʌnˈlɔːfʊl /

adjective

1. illegal
2. illicit; immoral

   unlawful love

3. an archaic word for illegitimate

Derived Forms

• unˈlawfully, adverb
• unˈlawfulness, noun

Other Words From

• un·lawful·ly adverb
• un·lawful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlawful¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, unlawful is from the Middle English word unlaweful. See un- ¹, lawful

Synonym Study

See illegal.

Example Sentences

Mr Straw added the act was an "unlawful killing".

From BBC

At the time, Kroger’s legal team rejected claims that the correspondence constitutes unlawful agreement.

From Salon

The second 17-year old was arrested on suspicion of resisting obstructing or delaying an officer, unlawful transfer of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times

The decision, taken when the now Conservative leader was business and trade minister, was described in court by Kneecap's barrister as "unlawful and procedurally unfair".

From BBC

Mr Combs's legal team said the search was unlawful and that the material was subject to attorney-client privilege, a legal doctrine that safeguards confidential communications between lawyers and those they represent.

From BBC

Related Words

• illegal
• illegitimate
• illicit
• improper
• lawless
• nefarious
• prohibited
• unauthorized
• wrongful