unlawful

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention
  2. adjective contrary to or prohibited by or defiant of law
  3. adjective not morally right or permissible

Etymology

From Middle English unlawful; equivalent to un- + lawful.

In classic literature

Synonyms

improper, unconventional

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