Meaning & Definition of word "Unlawful"
to
Unlawful
/ʌnˈlɔːfəl/
adjective:
- 1. Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
- Example: The company faced severe penalties for engaging in unlawful business practices.
- 2. Illegal; not authorized by law.
- Example: He was arrested for his involvement in unlawful activities.
- 3. Prohibited by law; criminal.
- Example: The police reported an increase in unlawful possession of firearms in the area.
- 4. Outside the bounds of legal authority or jurisdiction.
- Example: The protesters argued that the government's actions were unlawful and violated their rights.
Etymology
Middle English: from un- 'not' + lawful.
Common Phrases and Expressions
unlawful assembly:
A gathering of people that is deemed illegal by the authorities.
unlawful behavior:
Actions that violate legal statutes.
unlawful entry:
The act of entering a property without permission.
Related Words
lawful:
Permitted by law; legal.
illicit:
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
criminal:
Relating to crime.
Slang Meanings of unlawful
Meaning: Sketchy
Example Sentence: That deal sounds pretty sketchy; it might be unlawful.
Meaning: On the wrong side of the law
Example Sentence: He was definitely living on the wrong side of the law with those activities.