If something is unlawful, the law does not allow you to do it.
[formal]
...employees who believe their dismissal was unlawful.
A pushed-in window indicated unlawful entry.
Synonyms: illegal, criminal, illicit, banned More Synonyms of unlawful
unlawfullyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
...the councils' assertion that the government acted unlawfully in imposing the restrictions.
unlawful in British English
(ʌnˈlɔːfʊl)
adjective
1.
illegal
2.
illicit; immoral
unlawful love
3. an archaic word for illegitimate
Derived forms
unlawfully (unˈlawfully)
adverb
unlawfulness (unˈlawfulness)
noun
unlawful in American English
(ʌnˈlɔfəl)
adjective
1.
against the law; illegal
2.
against moral or ethical standards; immoral
Derived forms
unlawfully (unˈlawfully)
adverb
unlawfulness (unˈlawfulness)
noun
Examples of 'unlawful' in a sentence
unlawful
His case emerged when he tried to claim compensation for unlawful detention.
The Sun (2016)
The claimant issued proceedings against the defendant for unlawful discrimination against him on the ground of his disability.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
A further tranche of allegations that include unlawful killing or mistreatment will be closed within weeks.
The Sun (2016)
The police had a good defence to the claims in false imprisonment and unlawful detention.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He said the evidence was too inconsistent to return a verdict of unlawful killing.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Is she not aware that positive discrimination is unlawful?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
She said his detention was unlawful and damages should be assessed.
The Sun (2011)
For us that is an unlawful killing.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Compensation for unlawful discrimination is potentially unlimited.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Many claim human rights breaches or unlawful detention.
The Sun (2011)
He was charged with unlawful entry into a restricted area and freed next day when his family posted bail.
The Sun (2015)
It is an irony of history that it is for their unlawful acts that their successors will also be remembered.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
They are charged with unlawful killing.
The Sun (2014)
She is suing for unlawful discrimination.
The Sun (2008)
There was no doubt that the conduct of the employers would amount to unlawful direct discrimination if it was because of race.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is unrealistic to think that anyone with a direct interest could in practice have brought that judicial review to expose unlawful acts.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Their continued detention was unlawful, the judge said.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Some cover personal injury, loss or damage to property and alleged unlawful detention.
The Sun (2016)
Less favourable treatment on these grounds is likely to constitute unlawful discrimination, which can lead to unlimited compensation.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But despite the denial, he said a complaint had been made to police about unlawful entry to the premises.
The Sun (2011)
A coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing after an eight-day hearing.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
An inquest in October 2006 recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He denied assisting unlawful entry into the UK but was convicted at Canterbury crown court.
The Sun (2014)
It was argued in support of his appeal to the Court of Appeal that the defendant had committed no unlawful act for purposes of either count.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
unlawful
British English: unlawful ADJECTIVE
If something is unlawful, the law does not allow you to do it.
...employees who believe their dismissal was unlawful.
American English: unlawful
Brazilian Portuguese: ilegal
Chinese: 不合法的
European Spanish: ilícito
French: illégal
German: gesetzwidrig
Italian: illecito
Japanese: 違法の
Korean: 불법의
European Portuguese: ilegal
Latin American Spanish: ilícito
All related terms of 'unlawful'
unlawful entry
clandestine , forced, or fraudulent entry into a premises , without the permission of its owner or occupant
unlawful assembly
a meeting of three or more people with the intent of carrying out any unlawful purpose
unlawful killing
Unlawful killing is used to refer to crimes which involve one person killing another.
unlawful wounding
an offence committed when a person maliciously wounds another person
unlawful possession
possession of substances or items (such as drugs or guns ) for which criminal sanctions exist because they may not be legally possessed or may not be possessed under certain circumstances
unlawful discrimination
Discrimination is the practice of treating one person or group of people less fairly or less well than other people or groups.
Chinese translation of 'unlawful'
unlawful
(ʌnˈlɔːful)
adj
非法的 (fēifǎ de)
(adjective)
Definition
not permitted by law
employees who believe their dismissal was unlawful
Synonyms
illegal
It is illegal to interfere with emergency radio frequencies.
criminal
The entire party cannot be blamed for the criminal actions of a few members.
illicit
information about the use of illicit drugs
banned
forbidden
Smoking was forbidden everywhere.
prohibited
Fishing is prohibited here.
outlawed
illegitimate
a ruthless and illegitimate regime
unlicensed
under-the-table
unauthorized
the unauthorized use of a military vehicle
against the law
actionable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of criminal
Definition
of or relating to crime or its punishment
The entire party cannot be blamed for the criminal actions of a few members.