Unlawfully: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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