Illegal

/ɪˈliːɡəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not allowed by law; unlawful.

The sale of alcohol to minors is illegal in most countries.

Contrary to or forbidden by law.

He was arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

Not authorized by law or regulations.

They were operating an illegal gambling ring.

Not in accordance with the rules or regulations of a given system.

The plaintiff filed a suit over illegal dismissal from her job.

From Latin 'illēgālis', from 'in-' meaning not, and 'lēx' meaning law.

illegal activity

Any action that is against the law.

illegal immigrant

A person residing in a country without official permission.

illegal download

The act of downloading content without authorization.

lawful

In accordance with the law.

forbidden

Not allowed; prohibited.

contraband

Goods that are illegal to import or export.

On the down-low

He's doing it on the down-low, so it's a bit illegal.

Off the books

She's getting paid off the books, which is illegal.