Cool MateMeaning of Illegal
Not allowed by law.
Illegal in a sentence
- Driving without a license is considered illegal.
- He faced severe penalties for his illegal activities.
- Many countries have illegal drug trafficking problems.
- It's illegal to park here without a permit.
- The police cracked down on illegal gambling.
- Entering the building after hours is illegal.
- She reported the illegal emissions from the factory.
- Illegal immigration laws are a controversial topic.
- The government enforced strict laws against illegal fishing.
- Illegal logging has devastated the rainforests.
How to use Illegal
Use 'illegal' in formal contexts, especially legal discussions, but also in general conversation. It's not appropriate for casual slang.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of 'illegal' as 'against the law'—imagine a person breaking the law.
Related words
Collocations with Illegal
- illegal activity
- illegal immigration
- illegal drugs
- illegal parking
Synonyms for Illegal
- unlawful
- illegitimate
- prohibited
- forbidden
Opposites of Illegal
- legal
- permissible
- lawful
Common mistakes with Illegal
- Confused with 'unlawful', which can have a broader meaning.
- Using 'illegal' to describe moral wrongs instead of legal ones.
- Misusing as a noun instead of an adjective, e.g., saying 'the illegal is punishable' instead of 'the act is illegal'.
Illegal appears in
Illegal in other languages
More words like Illegal
- Forbidden
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- CorpseB1
The dead body of a human or animal.
- TypicalA2
Representing the usual characteristics of a particular group or situation.
- VaporB1
A gaseous state of a substance that is typically liquid at room temperature.
- TraditionA2
A custom or belief passed down over time within a group.
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Frequently asked questions about Illegal
What does Illegal mean?
Not allowed by law.
How do you use Illegal in a sentence?
Driving without a license is considered illegal.
Can you give another example of Illegal?
He faced severe penalties for his illegal activities.
What are synonyms for Illegal?
Common alternatives include unlawful, illegitimate, prohibited, forbidden.
What is the opposite of Illegal?
Opposite meanings include legal, permissible, lawful.
What words go with Illegal?
It commonly pairs with illegal activity, illegal immigration, illegal drugs, illegal parking.
What are common mistakes when using Illegal?
Confused with 'unlawful', which can have a broader meaning. Using 'illegal' to describe moral wrongs instead of legal ones. Misusing as a noun instead of an adjective, e.g., saying 'the illegal is punishable' instead of 'the act is illegal'.
How do you pronounce Illegal?
US: //ɪˈlɪɡəl//, UK: //ɪˈliːɡ(ə)l//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
Is Illegal formal or informal?
"Illegal" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.
When should I use Illegal?
Use 'illegal' in formal contexts, especially legal discussions, but also in general conversation. It's not appropriate for casual slang.
What CEFR level is Illegal?
"Illegal" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.