illegally

The word “illegally” means in a way that breaks the law. In plain terms, doing something against the law.

“Illegally” is pronounced ih-LEE-guh-lee (/ɪˈliːɡəli/ in IPA).

Here is “illegally” used in a sentence: “The goods had been imported illegally.”

“Illegally” is an adverb.

“Illegally” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Illegally means done in a way that breaks the law, while illegitimately means done in a way that is improper, unauthorized, or not sanctioned by rules or custom. An act can be illegitimate, meaning unfair or invalid, without being strictly illegal.

Both adverbs describe acts that break the law and are often interchangeable, but unlawfully is more common in formal and legal writing, while illegally is the more everyday term. In some legal contexts, unlawful can also cover acts that are simply not permitted.

The direct opposite of illegally is "legally," meaning in a way that follows or is permitted by the law. Related opposites include "lawfully" and "legitimately."

Illegally usually follows the verb it modifies, as in "they entered illegally" or "the car was parked illegally." It can also come directly before a past participle, as in "illegally obtained evidence" or "illegally parked."