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
1
In a way that breaks the law.
"The company was accused of unlawfully dumping waste into the river."
How to use unlawfully
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIllegally, against what the law allows.
Common pairings
unlawfully obtained
unlawfully detained
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unlawfully.
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 unlawfully
- Superlative
- most unlawfully
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company was accused of _____ dumping waste into the river.
Etymology
From "unlawful" + "-ly."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unlawfully
See all rhymes for unlawfully →Frequently asked questions
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.
