unlawful

UK: ʌnˈlɔːf(ə)l | US: ʌnˈlɔːf(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. not conforming to or permitted by law; illegal

  2. adj. (archaic) not morally right; unjust

Structure
un <not>law <rule>ful <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "unlawful" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," used to negate the root.
  2. "law" (Old English "lagu"), derived from Old Norse lag, meaning "rule" or "ordinance."
  3. "-ful" (Old English "-ful"), a suffix forming adjectives meaning "full of" or "characterized by."

Originally, "law" referred to rules established by authority, while "-ful" gave the sense of "having the quality of." The prefix "un-" inverted this to mean "lacking conformity to law." Over time, the term narrowed to primarily denote illegality, though it once carried broader moral implications.

Examples

  1. The court ruled the contract unlawful due to fraudulent clauses.

  2. Protesters argued that the new policy was unlawful and discriminatory.

  3. In medieval times, acts deemed unlawful often faced severe punishment.

  4. The company was fined for unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.

  5. His actions were considered unlawful by international standards.