adverb

unlawfully

uhn-LAW-fuh-lee

Unlawfully (adverb) means In a way that breaks the law. Example: “The company was accused of unlawfully dumping waste into the river.”

adverb

In a way that breaks the law.

"The company was accused of unlawfully dumping waste into the river."

How to use unlawfully

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIllegally, against what the law allows.

Common pairings

unlawfully obtained unlawfully detained

more unlawfully comparative, most unlawfully superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The company was accused of _____ dumping waste into the river.

From "unlawful" + "-ly."

lawfully

legally legitimately lawfully

gully fully sully bully cully Tully Scully awfully joyfully lawfully woefully hopefully

What does “unlawfully” mean?

The word “unlawfully” means in a way that breaks the law. In plain terms, illegally, against what the law allows.

How do you pronounce “unlawfully”?

“Unlawfully” is pronounced uhn-LAW-fuh-lee (/ʌnˈlɔːfəli/ in IPA).

How do you use “unlawfully” in a sentence?

Here is “unlawfully” used in a sentence: “The company was accused of unlawfully dumping waste into the river.”

What is the opposite of “unlawfully”?

The opposite of “unlawfully” — its antonyms — is lawfully.

What part of speech is “unlawfully”?

“Unlawfully” is an adverb.

legally legitimately lawfully