Meaning & Definition of Unlawful in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Contrary to or prohibited by law.

  Example Sentence: The police arrested him for his unlawful actions.

• Definition: Not lawful; illegal.

  Example Sentence: Creating counterfeit money is an unlawful activity.

• Definition: Not authorized by the law.

  Example Sentence: Unlawful entry into a property can lead to legal consequences.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: ilícito

• French: illégal

• German: rechtswidrig

• Russian: незаконный

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.