Definitions and Examples of illegal, unlawful, prohibited
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.
Example
Selling drugs is an illegal activity.
Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
Example
It is unlawful to discriminate against someone based on their race or gender.
prohibited
Not allowed; forbidden by authority or rules.
Example
Smoking is prohibited in this building.
Key Differences: illegal vs unlawful vs prohibited
- 1Illegal refers to actions that are against the law and can result in criminal charges.
- 2Unlawful refers to actions that are not permitted by law or rules, but may not necessarily be criminal.
- 3Prohibited refers to actions that are not allowed by authority or rules, but may not necessarily be illegal.
Effective Usage of illegal, unlawful, prohibited
- 1Legal Matters: Use these antonyms to describe actions that are not allowed by law or rules.
- 2Policy Discussions: Incorporate these antonyms in discussions about policies and regulations.
- 3News Reports: Utilize these antonyms in news reports to describe illegal or prohibited activities.
Remember this!
The antonyms of licit describe actions or behaviors that are not allowed by law or rules. Illegal refers to actions that are against the law, unlawful refers to actions that are not permitted by law or rules, and prohibited refers to actions that are not allowed by authority or rules. Use these words in legal matters, policy discussions, and news reports to describe illegal or prohibited activities.
