Unlawful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unlawful
un-law-ful
Definition
illegal activity
Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
Synonyms
criminal, forbidden, illegal, illicit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unlawful |
This word was repeated. Use the definition provided in the first instance. |
| illegal |
Use when referring to actions that are against the law. This is a common term in everyday language.
|
| illicit |
Use when referring to actions that are not legally permitted, often used in the context of moral or ethical issues.
|
| criminal |
Use when referring to actions punishable by law as a crime. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
| forbidden |
Use when referring to actions prohibited by rules, laws, or authorities. It often implies a strong prohibition.
|
Examples of usage
- His actions were deemed unlawful by the court.
- The company was fined for engaging in unlawful practices.
- The protest turned violent when it was declared unlawful by the authorities.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “unlawful”
Unlawful is a 3-syllable adjective (un-law-ful). It is pronounced /ənˈɫɔfəɫ/ in American English and /ʌnlˈɔːfəl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #4,786 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'unlawful'
The word 'unlawful' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'lawful' meaning 'in accordance with the law'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English 'unlawful'. The concept of unlawfulness has been a core part of legal systems throughout history, with societies establishing rules and regulations to maintain order and justice.
See also: law, lawbook, lawbreaker, lawbreaking, lawful, lawfully, lawfulness, lawgiver, lawless, lawlessness, lawmaker, lawmakers, lawmaking, lawman, laws, lawsuit, lawyer, lawyers, outlaw, unlawfully.