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

The Prince and Princess of Wales may have been the targets of unlawful information gathering by the Daily Mail's publisher, lawyers for Prince Harry have told the High Court.

From BBC

The former chief constable, Ms Fish, said: "I've seen enough to say there is a highly toxic culture there of hyper-sexualised male behaviour, misogyny, racism, and gratuitous, unlawful violence."

From BBC

“These actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious, and the cynical use of federal employees as a pawn in Congressional deliberations should be declared unlawful and enjoined by this Court.”

From Salon

Campbell ruled that because Chattah was not properly serving in her role, her continued work as a top prosecutor “would be unlawful.”

From Salon

Malema was convicted of five offences, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging it in a public space and reckless endangerment.

From BBC

Related Words

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