unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl 
1
: not lawful : illegal
2
: not morally right or conventional
Examples of unlawful in a Sentence
The sale of alcohol to minors is unlawful.
it is unlawful to set off fireworks within the city limits
Recent Examples on the Web
First, opponents argued that the rule was unlawful and that Congress would need to amend the statute to implement the changes proposed by DHS in its rule.
—
Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
He was arrested at 12:22 a.m. Friday for misdemeanor unlawful speeding and driving under the influence, a first-degree misdemeanor.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
He has also been charged two drug counts related to the unlawful possession of prescription medication, according to the complaint.
—Clara McMichael, ABC News, 18 July 2025
Charges include rioting, unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, obstructing a highway, obstructing emergency responders, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
—Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
He was arrested at 12:22 a.m. Friday for misdemeanor unlawful speeding and driving under the influence, a first-degree misdemeanor.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
He has also been charged two drug counts related to the unlawful possession of prescription medication, according to the complaint.
—Clara McMichael, ABC News, 18 July 2025
Charges include rioting, unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, obstructing a highway, obstructing emergency responders, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
—Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Cite this Entry
“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlawful. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlawful
adjective
un·law·ful
ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl
ˈən-
: not lawful : being against the law : illegal
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share