What does illegitimately mean?
Illegitimately is an adverb meaning in a way that is unlawful, unauthorized, or otherwise contrary to accepted rules. It is frequently used in legal and political contexts, as when describing evidence obtained without proper authority, a contract entered into improperly, or a resource accessed in violation of the law. The word carries a strong negative judgment: it presents an action as not merely mistaken or undesirable, but illegitimate because it lacks lawful or proper authority. Although it is often used as a synonym for illegally, it can be somewhat broader, suggesting a violation of moral, institutional, or procedural legitimacy as well as a direct breach of statute. Its clearest common use is in phrases such as “illegitimately obtained,” where it identifies a serious defect in how something was acquired or handled.
adverbIn an illegitimate manner, especially in a way that is unlawful, unauthorized, or contrary to accepted rules.
- In an unlawful, unauthorized, or otherwise improper manner.
"The documents were allegedly obtained illegitimately and therefore could not be admitted as evidence."
"The company was accused of illegitimately accessing competitors' private data."
"She argued that the contract had been signed illegitimately and should therefore be void."
An act can be illegal without being “criminal” in a technical sense, but describing it as illegitimate emphasizes its lack of lawful or moral authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does illegitimately come from?
The adverb comes from the adjective “illegitimate,” which was formed in the early 17th century by combining the Latin prefix il- meaning “not” with “legitimate.” “Legitimate” itself derives from Latin legitimus, meaning lawful or according to law, from lex, meaning law. The related noun “illegitimacy” developed alongside the adjective and preserves the same Latin legal roots.
Related word forms
How illegitimately is actually used
This word is formal and especially common in legal, journalistic, and political contexts. It often describes conduct that violates a law, rule, or recognized authority.
Easily confused with illegitimately
“Illegitimately” means in an unlawful or unauthorized way, whereas “legitimately” means in a lawful and proper way.