Criminal: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a general sense to describe someone who has committed a crime. It can refer to both minor and serious offenses.

• The criminal was sentenced to five years in prison
• / The police apprehended the criminal after a lengthy investigation

Used in a more formal context, often within legal or correctional environments, and can refer to someone who has committed an offense, especially minors or first-time offenders.

• The program is designed to rehabilitate young offenders
• / Repeat offenders face harsher penalties

Typically used to emphasize that someone is breaking the law, often in a more formal or moralistic tone.

• Lawbreakers must be brought to justice
• / The new policy aims to punish all lawbreakers swiftly

Often used in a more informal or everyday context, and can specifically refer to the person responsible for a wrongdoing or an issue.

• The culprit behind the missing cookies was finally found
• / The detectives are still trying to identify the culprit of the cyber attack

Used as a noun or adjective, often in a legal context to describe a person who has committed a crime or actions against the law.

• The police have arrested the criminal who robbed the bank
• Committing fraudulent activities is considered criminal behavior

Used to describe actions or things that are not allowed by law, often in a general context.

• It is illegal to drive without a license
• Selling drugs is an illegal activity

Generally synonymous with 'illegal', but often used in more formal or legal documents.

• The company was sued for unlawful termination of employees
• Unlawful entry onto private property is punishable by law

Typically used in a legal or formal context to describe serious crimes, usually felonies.

• He was charged with felonious assault
• The felonious action left the community in fear