unlawful

adjective

un·​law·​ful ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl How to pronounce unlawful (audio)
1
: not lawful : illegal
2
: not morally right or conventional
unlawfully adverb
unlawfulness noun

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 Such bans would be unlawful in the United States under its constitution. Dell Cameron, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024 The use of lethal force during largely peaceful protests was unlawful and the deaths amounted to extrajudicial executions, the investigators said. Nick Cumming-Bruce, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 For example, last year, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that overly broad non-disparagement clauses are unlawful in severance agreements. Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Mays, 23, is facing one count each of second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action for his role in the shooting. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Kassim was also charged with two counts of access device fraud and four counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Alvarez also faces charges of burglary of a habitation and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in another incident on Feb. 7 in the same area, according to a police report. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2024 Musk’s lawyers have called the investigation unlawful. David Ingram, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 Facing a lawsuit for unlawful arrests, the NYPD isn’t thrilled with her presence. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlawful was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unlawful

Cite this Entry

“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlawful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unlawful

adjective
un·​law·​ful ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl How to pronounce unlawful (audio)
ˈən-
: not lawful : being against the law : illegal
unlawfully adverb
unlawfulness 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unlawful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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