Definition

Not allowed by law; illegal or against the rules.

Example

The police arrested him for his unlawful activities.

Conversation

Did you hear about that party last weekend?

Yeah, I heard it got shut down for being unlawful.

I can't believe people would throw an unlawful party like that.

Right? It just puts everyone at risk for no good reason.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unlawful → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "lawful" (from Old English "lagu", meaning law). The word "unlawful" means not in accordance with the law or illegal.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') following the rules of 'law' — that's why unlawful means something that is not legal.

Visually Confused Words