unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl 
1
: not lawful : illegal
2
: not morally right or conventional
Synonyms
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
Space had two prior felony convictions in Illinois for burglary and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon from 2013 and 2014, respectively.
—
Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024
One woman was killed and dozens of others were left with injuries.
A.M. was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of resisting arrest following the shooting.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlawful 
Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024
One woman was killed and dozens of others were left with injuries.
A.M. was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of resisting arrest following the shooting.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlawful
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unlawful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unlawful
Cite this Entry
“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlawful. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl
ˈən-
: not lawful : being against the law : illegal
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