illegally
ih-LEE-guh-lee
Illegally (adverb) means In a way that breaks the law. Example: “The goods had been imported illegally.”
adverb
1
In a way that breaks the law.
"The goods had been imported illegally."
"Anyone who parks illegally in this street will find a ticket on the windscreen."
"The company was fined after it illegally dumped waste in the river."
How to use illegally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something against the law.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like illegally.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more illegally
- Superlative
- most illegally
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The goods had been imported _____.
Etymology
From illegal + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for illegally
See all rhymes for illegally →Frequently asked questions
What does “illegally” mean?
The word “illegally” means in a way that breaks the law. In plain terms, doing something against the law.
How do you pronounce “illegally”?
“Illegally” is pronounced ih-LEE-guh-lee (/ɪˈliːɡəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “illegally” in a sentence?
Here is “illegally” used in a sentence: “The goods had been imported illegally.”
What part of speech is “illegally”?
“Illegally” is an adverb.
Is “illegally” a common word?
“Illegally” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between illegally and illegitimately?
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.
What is the difference between illegally and unlawfully?
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.
What is the opposite of illegally?
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."
Where does the adverb illegally go in a sentence?
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."
