Unlawful

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈlɔːfəl/

Definitions of unlawful

adjective describing something that is not allowed by law

Example Sentences

A1 Stealing is unlawful and against the law.

A2 Parking in a disabled spot without a permit is considered unlawful.

B1 The company was fined for engaging in unlawful business practices.

B2 The court ruled that the search conducted by the police was unlawful.

C1 The lawyer argued that the evidence was obtained through unlawful means.

C2 The international treaty declared the use of chemical weapons to be unlawful.

Examples of unlawful in a Sentence

formal Engaging in unlawful activities can result in serious legal consequences.

informal You shouldn't do anything unlawful if you don't want to get in trouble.

slang It's not cool to be involved in any unlawful stuff, man.

figurative Breaking the rules is like walking down the path of unlawful actions.

Grammatical Forms of unlawful

• past tense: unlawfully
• plural: unlawfuls
• comparative: more unlawful
• superlative: most unlawful
• present tense: unlawful
• future tense: will be unlawful
• perfect tense: has been unlawful
• continuous tense: is being unlawful
• singular: unlawful
• positive degree: unlawful
• infinitive: to be unlawful
• gerund: unlawfully
• participle: unlawful

Origin and Evolution of unlawful

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'unlawful' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'lawful' meaning 'allowed by law'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'unlawful' has retained its original meaning of not being allowed by law, but has also come to encompass actions or behaviors that are considered illegal or against the law.