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

He was indicted on two charges, including conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants and unlawful transportation of migrants without legal status. —Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 25 Aug. 2025

There are widespread reports of extrajudicial killings, psychological intimidation, unlawful detentions, torture, child kidnappings and disappearances. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025

According to Dallas County Jail records, the rapper was booked for possession of marijuana (less than two ounces) and unlawful possession of a firearm. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025

Sarah, a scientist at a biotech company, contacts Ash’s firm to blow the whistle on an unlawful cover-up at her job. —EW.com, 22 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