easy
The sign explained that parking there was unlawful.
What does Unlawful mean?
Unlawful means against the law.
Dictionary definition
Unlawful means not allowed by law or against the rules of the law.
Example sentences
Unlawful in a sentence
medium
The article used unlawful to describe an action not allowed by law.
hard
In civics vocabulary, unlawful is different from unfair because it specifically means against the law.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice unlawful in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Unlawful
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does unlawful mean?
Unlawful means an action is not allowed by law.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to unlawful?
Illegal is close in meaning because both words describe something against the law.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for unlawful?
Lawful is the direct contrast because unlawful means not lawful.
Practice complete
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Unlawful
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · law · ful · strongest beat: law
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUnlawful.
Partadjective.
MeaningUnlawful means against the law.
ExampleExample: The sign explained that parking there was unlawful.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · law · ful
- Strongest beat
- law
- Ending
- ful
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on law.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Unlawful
illegalUse when something is against the law.
not allowed by lawA simple phrase for unlawful.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice unlawful synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The story said the unlawful shortcut broke the town rule," then compare close word choices. Practice unlawful synonyms.
Word family
Unlawful word family
Related words
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Student support
Understand Unlawful
Hint for students
Unlawful means against the law. It is more specific than wrong, unfair, or unkind because it connects to legal rules.
Common mix-up
Do not confuse unlawful with unfair. Something can feel unfair without being unlawful, and something unlawful is specifically against the law.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows unlawful without using the word unlawful. Then underline the clue words that show something is not allowed by law. Example: The notice said drivers could not park there because city law forbids it. Clue words: notice, could not park, city law, forbids it Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something against the law?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The article used unlawful to describe an action not allowed by law." Why does unlawful fit better than unfair?
Learning activities
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