What does illegally mean?
Illegally is an adverb meaning in a way that breaks the law or violates a legal rule. It is formed from illegal and is common in news reports, legal discussions, and descriptions of conduct that has been officially prohibited. The word can indicate a violation of a statute, regulation, or other legally binding requirement. Although “illegally” is a relatively neutral description, its use may also carry disapproval, especially when describing actions that harm the public or evade legitimate authority. “Unlawfully” may sound more formal or legalistic, while “illegally” is broadly recognizable in everyday and professional English. The term does not itself identify the jurisdiction whose laws are being invoked, so its precise significance depends on context. Its usefulness lies in making the legal character of an act explicit: saying that something was done illegally identifies the law as the relevant standard, rather than focusing only on morality, social convention, or ordinary social acceptability.
adverbIn a manner that violates the law or a legal rule.
- In a manner that violates the law or a legal rule.
"The company was accused of illegally dumping waste near the river."
"The suspect was arrested for allegedly illegally entering the restricted site."
"Many of the documents were reportedly copied and distributed illegally."
Adding “-ly” to “illegal” turns a legal judgment into a description of conduct: the act itself becomes unlawful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does illegally come from?
Illegally is an English adverb formed in the 19th century from illegal plus the suffix -ly, which turns an adjective into an adverb. Illegal comes from Latin illegalis, meaning “not lawful,” formed from the prefix in- and legalis, meaning “lawful”; legalis ultimately derives from the Latin lex or legis, meaning “law.” Related English forms such as legal, legality, and legalise or legalize belong to the same lexical family.
How illegally is actually used
Commonly used in legal, journalistic, and public-policy contexts. It is widely understood and can sound more direct than “unlawfully,” and it normally implies a violation of law rather than merely an informal, unconventional, or socially unacceptable practice.
Easily confused with illegally
Illegally describes conduct that breaks the law, whereas illogically describes conduct or reasoning that lacks logical coherence.