[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/unlawful/)

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# unlawful

adjective (unlawful) — formal

«unlawful» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

Not allowed by law; against the law; illegal. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#m1)

### In the lessons

In formal language, news and law, «unlawful» means illegal: unlawful killing, unlawful entry. In citizenship and safety lessons, it helps to understand that some actions break the law. Adverb: unlawfully.

### Examples

- It is unlawful to sell alcohol to children. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#x1)
- The judge said the arrest was unlawful. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#x2)
- Unlawful entry means going into a building without the right to. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#x3)
- The court called the sacking unlawful. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#x4)
- Dumping rubbish in the river is unlawful. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#x5)
- He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/#x6)

### Note

Same as illegal but more formal. Opposite: lawful, legal. Do not write «unlegal».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «unlawful» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unlawful/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«unlawful» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/unlawful.html) on Mova free.