Words / B1

i-LEEGL/ɪˈliːɡl/

Illegal means against the law: illegal parking; it is illegal to + verb. Unlawful is more legal and formal; banned can be a school or club rule, not always the criminal law. Illegally is the adverb. Legal is the opposite. Do not use illegal for a rude but lawful opinion, and do not confuse it with illiterate (unable to read).

Meaning

Not allowed by the law.

Examples

• “It is illegal to park on the double yellow lines.”
• “It is illegal to drive without insurance in the UK.”
• “The council towed cars parked in an illegal bus lane.”

Good to know

it is illegal to + verb; illegal parking. Opposite: legal. Formal twin: unlawful. Adverb: illegally.

Near in meaning

unlawful

New