unlawful

[uhn-law-fuhl]

adjective

1. not lawful; contrary to law; illegal.

   Synonyms: illicit

2. born out of wedlock; illegitimate.

   Synonyms: natural, bastard

unlawful

/ ʌnˈlɔːfʊl /

adjective

1. illegal

2. illicit; immoral

   unlawful love

3. an archaic word for illegitimate

Other Word Forms

• unlawfully adverb
• unlawfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlawful¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, unlawful is from the Middle English word unlaweful. See un- ¹, lawful

Synonym Study

See illegal.

Example Sentences

A third person addressed their comment to Instagram, writing, “why is this person allowed to continually post videos of himself assaulting/harassing people? It’s distressing and disgusting and unlawful. @instagram Please make him go away.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Much of the international community considers the Israeli settlements unlawful.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Parrish told ProPublica she had collected evidence that “shows ongoing and persistent activity” outside the facility that under statute and police directive “would be considered riotous, unlawful assembly and/or disorderly conduct.”

Read more on Salon

The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel's actions are unlawful, and a UN Commission has concluded Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

Read more on Barron's

The defendants argue the prosecutions must be dismissed because Halligan’s appointment is unlawful.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• illegal 
• illegitimate 
• illicit 
• improper 
• lawless 
• nefarious 
• prohibited 
• unauthorized 
• wrongful