illegally
gb/ɪlˈiɡəli/ us/ɪlˈiɡəli/
B1
English
~ 8400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
in a way that breaks the law
In a way that is against the law or not allowed by legal rules.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] illegally
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"He entered illegal"* instead of *"He entered illegally"*. Remember that "illegal" is an adjective (before a noun: *illegal drug*), and "illegally" is an adverb (describing how something is done: *enter illegally*). There is also confusion with "wrongly" or "badly"; these can mean something is morally or practically wrong, but not always against the law. Use "illegally" only when law or official legal rules are broken.
Synonyms
unlawfully (Slightly more formal and legal-sounding than "illegally".)
|
illicitly (Often suggests secret or hidden illegal activity, especially with goods or relationships.)
Antonyms
legally (Means that something is done according to the law, the direct opposite of "illegally".)
|
lawfully (More formal/legal register of "legally"; stresses respect for the law.)
Collocations
enter illegally
|work illegally
|trade illegally
|park illegally
|live illegally
|obtain something illegally
Themes
law
|society
|work
|government
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company was fined for dumping waste illegally into the river.
- Many workers are employed illegally and have no protection if they are hurt.
- She was accused of entering the country illegally and using a false passport.
- Parking illegally in this area can result in your car being towed.
- The documents were obtained illegally and could not be used in court.
Learner examples
- He sold cigarettes illegally to children.
- They crossed the border illegally at night.
- The car was parked illegally in front of the hospital.
- Some people work illegally because they do not have visas.
- The police said the money was taken illegally.
Grammar
Dictionary form
illegally
IPA
GB/ɪlˈiɡəli/
US/ɪlˈiɡəli/
Syllables & stress
il - leg - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (leg)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: illegally
- Plural: illegallies
Word family
Expressions
enter the country illegally
1/ˈɛntɚ ðə kˈʌntɹi ɪlˈiɡəli/
fixed phrase
go into a country without permission
To go into a country without doing what the law requires, such as having a visa, passport stamp, or using an official border crossing.
Examples
- They were arrested after trying to enter the country illegally by boat.
- Anyone who enters the country illegally can face serious legal penalties.
illegally parked
2/ɪlˈiɡəli pˈɑɹkt/
fixed phrase
parked in a place against the law
Used to describe a car that is left in a place where parking is not allowed by law.
Examples
- Your car is illegally parked in a space reserved for ambulances.
- Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and may be towed away.
working illegally
3/wˈɚkɪŋ ɪlˈiɡəli/
fixed phrase
having a job without legal permission
Having a job or doing paid work when the law does not allow you to, for example because of visa, tax, or license rules.
Examples
- He was deported after the authorities discovered he had been working illegally for two years.
- Many migrants are afraid to report abuse because they are working illegally.