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

The council said it was forced to agree to such fees because it could not find anywhere else to place the children - despite it being unlawful to send them there.

From BBC

The lawsuit alleges that a “corrupt, unlawful, and unconstitutional” relationship between law enforcement and the “ruthless killers” allowed for the murder.

From BBC

Lord Ericht appeared to sum up their position succinctly on Friday, when he suggested it amounted to them asking him to say: "I accept this decision is unlawful but I give it lawful effect."

From BBC

"As a result of their unlawful actions, defendants have been unjustly enriched to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars in value, while Mr Musk has been conned along with the public," it says.

From BBC

The Duke of Sussex is "one of two claimants" continuing claims against the publisher of The Sun over allegations of unlawful information gathering, his barrister told the High Court.

From BBC

Related Words

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