illegality

[ il-ee-gal-i-tee ]

/ ˌɪl iˈgæl ɪ ti /

illegal condition or quality; unlawfulness.

an illegal act.

RELATED WORDS

From the Medieval Latin word illēgālitās, dating back to 1630–40. See illegal, -ity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

As with the drug trade, much of the violence associated with sex work is exacerbated by its illegality.
Why It's Time to Legalize Prostitution|Cathy Reisenwitz|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
No one had ever questioned the illegality of it, as she was over the age of consent at the time.
What You Should Know About Woody Allen's Feud With Mia and Ronan Farrow|Marina Watts|January 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Chinese leadership supposedly recognizes the illegality of such detentions, yet is seeking to codify them into law.
Obama, Don’t Let Xi Forget China’s Human Rights Record|Yang Jianli|June 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The lack of evidence for HGH as an effective performance enhancer is just as immaterial as its illegality.
Major League Baseball’s Planned Suspensions Are Already a Bust|David Roth|June 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Universities are part of this equation because they are complicit, at an institutional level, with militarism and illegality.
Why Academic Boycotts?|Jake Lynch|December 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He dreaded to be forced into a position of illegality and revolt, because it would enable his enemies to outlaw him.
Lectures on the French Revolution|John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton
But, as I said, these Jacobins seem to revel in illegality for its own sake.
The Religious Persecution in France 1900-1906|Jane Milliken Napier Brodhead
The illegality of impositions was shown in two elaborate speeches by Hakewill and Yelverton.
Constitutional History of England, Vol 1 of 3|Henry Hallam
For nothing can justify a resistance of sovereign power, save a belief in its illegality.
Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745|Mrs. Thomson
A general was needed at the War Office who would go all lengths in illegality.
History of Modern Europe 1972-1878|C. A. Fyffe

1630s, from illegal + -ity; or else from French illegalité (14c.).