adjective
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illegal
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illicit; immoral
unlawful love
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an archaic word for illegitimate
Synonym Usage
See illegal.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unlawful
First recorded in 1250–1300, unlawful is from the Middle English word unlaweful. See un- 1, lawful
Compare meaning
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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.
One bill, dubbed the “No Kings Act,” makes it easier for residents to sue federal agents for alleged civil rights violations, such as racial profiling, unlawful searches or interfering with the right to free speech.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026
“This court order should put an end to hundreds — if not more — of unlawful arrests that continue throughout Southern California.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
Private agencies that handle certain immigration applications by public officials or military personnel in China are now required to report unlawful cases to authorities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
The filming would only be unlawful if it could be seen as harassment, stalking, if the footage is voyeuristic, or in circumstances where there would be a reasonable expectation of privacy.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
“Well, for one thing, you’re not supposed to enter our house. It’s unlawful entry, and you might get into trouble.”
From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White
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.
