Etymology
Origin of illegality
From the Medieval Latin word illēgālitās, dating back to 1630–40. See illegal, -ity
Explanation
Illegality is the state of being against the rules or the law. Sometimes you have to break the law to effect change. The students knew the illegality of their actions, and that they might be arrested, but they figured it was worth it to change a bad law. The root word of illegality is legal, which is from the Latin word legalis, which means related to or pertaining to the law. Il- means not, so illegal means "not legal," and -ity is a suffix used to make an adjective a noun meaning the "state of or condition of." So literally, illegality is the condition of being not legal. Despite the illegality, people often break the law when it comes to speed limits.
Vocabulary lists containing illegality
leg, legis
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leg, legis (law)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“We welcome this swift and much-needed relief for Isaac, which is a testament to the blatant illegality of the government’s actions,” said Lauren Wilfong, a lawyer with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
In written submissions, Christopher Newman, representing Lowe, said the "substantive claim to judicial review alleges procedural unfairness in the processes of ICGS, as well as perversity and illegality".
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026
It is worth noting that in addition to its illegality, Bondi’s move will undermine her professed goal of making D.C. safer.
From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025
Despite reminders from law enforcement regarding the dangers and illegality of non-sanctioned fireworks displays, many residents throughout L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2025
But he must have sensed that engaging in one illegality sort of loosened other holds on Dedd.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
