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
Jorge Garibay said in a statement Friday, adding that the efforts were aimed at reducing fire risk and unlawful activity throughout the city.
—
Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
The court cited the First Amendment (freedom of speech), the Fourth Amendment (protection against unlawful search and seizure), and the Fourteenth Amendment (due process and equal protection).
—Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2025
Zion Smith, 16, is being charged as an adult on counts of murder, tampering with physical evidence, carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm, Lt. Nicholas Reinert of the Manchester Police Department said in a news release.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Vick was charged in Suffolk Superior Court on the assault charges as well as unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a firearm, and firearm use in commission of a felony.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
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Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
The court cited the First Amendment (freedom of speech), the Fourth Amendment (protection against unlawful search and seizure), and the Fourteenth Amendment (due process and equal protection).
—Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2025
Zion Smith, 16, is being charged as an adult on counts of murder, tampering with physical evidence, carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm, Lt. Nicholas Reinert of the Manchester Police Department said in a news release.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Vick was charged in Suffolk Superior Court on the assault charges as well as unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a firearm, and firearm use in commission of a felony.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 25 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl
ˈən-
: not lawful : being against the law : illegal
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