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Unlawfully: meaning, definitions and examples

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unlawfully

 

[ʌnˈlɔː.fʊli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used in legal context

In a manner that is not allowed or permitted by law.

Synonyms

illegally, unjustly, wrongfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unlawfully

Used when referring to actions that violate established laws or regulations. Commonly used in legal or formal contexts.

  • He was caught unlawfully entering the building after hours.
  • The company was fined for unlawfully disposing of hazardous waste.
illegally

Commonly used to describe actions or activities that break the law, often in everyday conversation.

  • He was fined for illegally downloading music.
  • The products were imported illegally.
unjustly

Refers to actions that are unfair or lack justice, even if they may be legal. Often used in moral or ethical discussions.

  • She felt she was treated unjustly by her employer.
  • Many believe that the decision to exclude them was unjustly made.
wrongfully

Typically used in legal contexts to describe actions that are illegitimate or wrongful. Often implies a sense of moral wrongdoing.

  • He was wrongfully accused of the crime.
  • The court ruled that he was wrongfully terminated from his job.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of acting unlawfully by entering the property without permission.
  • The company was fined for unlawfully disposing of hazardous waste.
Context #2 | Adverb

used in general context

In a way that is contrary to or forbidden by law.

Synonyms

illegally, improperly, unjustly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unlawfully

Use this word when something is done in a way that breaks the law. It is often used in legal contexts.

  • He was found guilty of entering the property unlawfully
  • The act was deemed unlawful by the court
illegally

This word is commonly used to describe activities that are against the law. It is broader and can be used in various situations.

  • They were caught selling items illegally
  • Parking here is illegal
improperly

This word is used when something is done in a way that is not correct or inappropriate, but not necessarily against the law.

  • The documents were filed improperly
  • She was dressed improperly for the formal event
unjustly

Use this word when something is done in a way that is unfair or morally wrong. It focuses on the lack of justice rather than legal aspects.

  • He was unjustly punished for the crime
  • The workers felt they were treated unjustly

Examples of usage

  • He was unlawfully detained for questioning by the authorities.
  • The landlord unlawfully evicted the tenants without proper notice.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The prefix 'un-' signifies 'not,' indicating the opposite of the root word, which is 'law.'
  • Originating from Middle English, 'law' comes from the Old English 'lagu,' which means 'something laid down or fixed.'
  • The '-fully' suffix implies manner, making the word mean 'in a way that is not lawful.'

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, actions taken unlawfully can lead to criminal charges or civil disputes.
  • Common examples of unlawful actions include theft, fraud, and trespassing.
  • Unlawfulness varies by jurisdiction, where different laws exist in different places.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many novels and films explore themes of unlawfulness, highlighting characters' struggles with society’s norms.
  • Street art, often considered unlawful, has sparked conversations about public expression and legality.
  • Different cultures have distinct views on what is considered unlawful, often influenced by local traditions and mores.

Psychology

  • People often commit unlawful acts when they perceive the benefits outweigh the risks of getting caught.
  • The concept of moral disengagement explains how individuals justify unlawful behavior to align with personal ethics.
  • Social influences, such as peer pressure, can lead individuals to act unlawfully despite knowing it is wrong.

Education

  • Understanding what constitutes unlawful behavior is essential in civics education to promote responsible citizenship.
  • Youth programs often address the consequences of unlawful actions, aiming to steer individuals away from crime.
  • Discussions on laws and morality in schools encourage critical thinking about justice and ethics.

Translations

Translations of the word "unlawfully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ilegalmente

🇮🇳 गैरकानूनी रूप से

🇩🇪 rechtswidrig

🇮🇩 secara tidak sah

🇺🇦 незаконно

🇵🇱 nielegalnie

🇯🇵 不法に

🇫🇷 illégalement

🇪🇸 ilegalmente

🇹🇷 yasadışı olarak

🇰🇷 불법으로

🇸🇦 بشكل غير قانوني

🇨🇿 nezákonně

🇸🇰 nezákonne

🇨🇳 非法地

🇸🇮 nezakonito

🇮🇸 ólöglega

🇰🇿 заңсыз

🇬🇪 უკანონოდ

🇦🇿 qanunsuz olaraq

🇲🇽 ilegalmente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,327, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.