ill-gotten

[ il-got-n ]

adjective

1. acquired by dishonest, improper, or evil means:

   ill-gotten gains.

ill-gotten

adjective

1. obtained dishonestly or illegally (esp in the phrase ill-gotten gains )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ill-gotten¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

A drug dealer who bought a work by the artist Banksy with "ill-gotten gains" has been sentenced to three years in prison.

From BBC

The ill-gotten gains had been used to fund her and her family's lavish lifestyle.

From BBC

More than a dozen charges were dismissed in the plea deal, which also stipulates that he must forfeit to the government any ill-gotten property, including an autographed painting of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

From Los Angeles Times

The would-be seller, she said, was Richard Siegel, one of the people who, according to police, allegedly operated the theft ring that stored more than 2,800 ill-gotten Legos in Long Beach.

From Los Angeles Times

Most important, the case has spotlighted the country's struggle with welcoming the super wealthy, without also becoming a destination for ill-gotten gains.

From BBC