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View synonyms for

unlawful

[ uhn-law-fuhl ]

adjective

  1. not lawful; contrary to law; illegal.

    Synonyms:

  2. born out of wedlock; illegitimate.

    Synonyms: ,



unlawful

/ ʌˈɔːʊ /

adjective

  1. illegal
  2. illicit; immoral

    unlawful love

  3. an archaic word for illegitimate
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ܲˈɴڳܱ, adverb
  • ܲˈɴڳܱԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܲ·fܱ· adverb
  • ܲ·fܱ·Ա noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of unlawful1

First recorded in 1250–1300, unlawful is from the Middle English word unlaweful. See un- 1, lawful
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Compare Meanings

How does unlawful compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Synonym Study

See illegal.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Robles said Castillo’s removal was not only unlawful but politically motivated, because she had filed a formal complaint with the city against three council members and the city manager.

From

Mrs Justice Lang said the dismissal process which had been used by the Met was unlawful as those suspected of wrongdoing were denied an opportunity to defend themselves.

From

Rioting - the use of force or violence by an unlawful assembly - is punishable with up to two years of imprisonment.

From

Oxford Business College said there had been "no findings of malfeasance" and it would challenge the decision, which it said was "unlawful".

From

Courts like to proceed presuming that the government's acting in good faith, presuming that they're not going to engage in unlawful actions.

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unlatchunlawful assembly