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
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.
Currently incarcerated in Utah, YoungBoy faces six charges of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, as well as charges related to a pattern of unlawful activity stemming from a May 2023 arrest. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Some are called because of incorrect ingredient information on packet labels or unlawful importation, for example. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 He was slapped with dozens of charges alleging forgery, identity fraud, and unlawful conduct related to a pharmacy. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024 Gaulden has been serving time in Utah since May for six charges of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and for a pattern of unlawful activity, potentially reducing his remaining sentence to approximately 12 months. Thania Garcia, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unlawful 

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 26 Dec. 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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