unlawful

adjective

un·​law·​ful ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

: not lawful : illegal

2

: not morally right or conventional

unlawfully

ˌən-ˈlȯ-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

unlawfulness

ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• illegal
• illicit
• criminal

Examples of unlawful in a Sentence

The sale of alcohol to minors is unlawful.

it is unlawful to set off fireworks within the city limits

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, advocates say those who are not in shelter are being pushed farther and farther away from services in an attempt to escape unlawful camping citations. —Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2025

Drake Solomon accuses his former employer of disability discrimination and an unlawful severance offer. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025

As a result of Belk’s actions, Jenkins is suing for search and seizure without probable cause or reasonable suspicion, unlawful detainment, civil assault and discriminatory treatment based on her color and race, among other claims. —Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025

Alexis Vega-Martinez faces one count of unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unlawful

• awful
• lawful
• offal
• waffle

Kids Definition

unlawful

adjective

un·​law·​ful ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl 

ˈən-

: not lawful : being against the law : illegal

unlawfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

unlawfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

unlawful

adjective

un·​law·​ful

1

: not lawful : not authorized or justified by law

2

: acting contrary to or in defiance of the law

an unlawful possessor

unlawfully adverb

unlawfulness noun