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 that can result in serious consequences.
Not authorized by law; illegal.
Example
Entering someone's property without permission is unlawful and can lead to legal action.
prohibited
Officially forbidden; not allowed.
Example
Smoking is prohibited in most public places to protect people from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Key Differences: illegal vs unlawful vs prohibited
- 1Illegal refers to actions that are against the law, especially criminal law.
- 2Unlawful means not authorized by law and is often used interchangeably with illegal.
- 3Prohibited describes actions that are officially forbidden or not allowed.
Effective Usage of illegal, unlawful, prohibited
- 1Legal Matters: Use these antonyms to discuss legal issues and violations.
- 2News and Media: Incorporate these words in news articles and reports to describe illegal activities.
- 3Academic Writing: Utilize these antonyms in academic writing to express ideas and arguments clearly and accurately.
Remember this!
The antonyms illegal, unlawful, and prohibited describe actions or behaviors that are not allowed by law or authority. Illegal refers to actions that are against the law, unlawful means not authorized by law, and prohibited describes actions that are officially forbidden. Use these words in legal matters, news and media, and academic writing to express ideas and arguments clearly and accurately.