Unlawful Definition & Meaning

unlawful
adjective
  1. not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention; "an unconventional marriage"; "improper banking practices"
  2. contrary to or prohibited by or defiant of law; "unlawful measures"; "unlawful money"; "unlawful hunters"
  3. not morally right or permissible; "unlawful love"
  4. having no legally established claim; "the wrongful heir to the throne"
  5. contrary to or forbidden by law; "an illegitimate seizure of power"; "illicit trade"; "an outlaw strike"; "unlawful measures"

"Unlawful" in song lyrics

See how unlawful is used in real songs:

  • "Y'all sound awful it oughta be unlawful"
    Bavu Blakes — Bah-Voo
  • "Unlawful"
    Black Moon — Rush
  • "I'm awful, often unlawful"
    Necro — You're Dead

Usage tips for "unlawful"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "unlawful" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for unlawful to find words that pair well.

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