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Definition of illegality

illegality

/ˌɪl.iːˈɡæl.ə.ti/
il · le · gal · i · ty
Adverb:illegally
•
Plural:illegalities
•
Adjective:illegal
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illegality Lexical Profile

illegality Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being contrary to or forbidden by law.

Example

"The defense attorney argued that the illegality of the warrantless search rendered the evidence inadmissible in court."

2

An unlawful act, practice, or offense.

Example

"Independent auditors uncovered several financial illegalities in the company's tax filings over the past decade."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for illegality

• Rhymes for illegality

• Nearby Words

ill
illadopsis
illegal
illegality
illegalization
illegalize
illegally

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from French illégalité or Medieval Latin illegalitas, formed from Latin in- ('not') and legalis ('pertaining to the law'), from lex ('law').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illegality. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illegality
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