Unlawful

/ʌnˈlɔːfəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.

The company faced severe penalties for engaging in unlawful business practices.

Illegal; not authorized by law.

He was arrested for his involvement in unlawful activities.

Prohibited by law; criminal.

The police reported an increase in unlawful possession of firearms in the area.

Outside the bounds of legal authority or jurisdiction.

The protesters argued that the government's actions were unlawful and violated their rights.

Middle English: from un- 'not' + lawful.

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.

lawful

Permitted by law; legal.

illicit

Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.

criminal

Relating to crime.

Sketchy

That deal sounds pretty sketchy; it might be unlawful.

On the wrong side of the law

He was definitely living on the wrong side of the law with those activities.