unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl 
1
: not lawful : illegal
2
: not morally right or conventional
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
Dennis is seeking an unspecified amount in damages on claims that include unlawful seizure and false imprisonment, and deprivation of liberty without due process.
—
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Ways and Means Ranking Member Neal criticized the president for continuing to escalate the issue when two lower courts have already found the IEEPA tariffs unlawful.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
Advertisement What the Supreme Court is considering At issue before the Supreme Court is whether the federal statute barring gun ownership for unlawful drug users is similar enough to other historical restrictions on firearm possession.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Having been taken to Coonabarabran Police Station, Valette was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and affray, which is fighting or the threat of unlawful violence which makes another person fear for their life, per the NSW Police news release.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Ways and Means Ranking Member Neal criticized the president for continuing to escalate the issue when two lower courts have already found the IEEPA tariffs unlawful.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
Advertisement What the Supreme Court is considering At issue before the Supreme Court is whether the federal statute barring gun ownership for unlawful drug users is similar enough to other historical restrictions on firearm possession.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Having been taken to Coonabarabran Police Station, Valette was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and affray, which is fighting or the threat of unlawful violence which makes another person fear for their life, per the NSW Police news release.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Cite this Entry
“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlawful. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl
ˈən-
: not lawful : being against the law : illegal
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share