The difference between Legal and Unlawful

When used as adjectives, legal means relating to the law or to lawyers, whereas unlawful means prohibited.


Legal is also noun with the meaning: the legal department of a company.

check bellow for the other definitions of Legal and Unlawful

  1. Legal as an adjective:

    Relating to the law or to lawyers.

    Examples:

    "'legal profession"

  2. Legal as an adjective:

    Having its basis in the law.

    Examples:

    "'legal precedent"

  3. Legal as an adjective:

    Being allowed or prescribed by law.

    Examples:

    "'legal motion"

  4. Legal as an adjective (informal):

    Above the age of consent or the legal drinking age.

  1. Legal as a noun (uncountable, informal):

    The legal department of a company.

    Examples:

    "Legal wants this in writing."

  2. Legal as a noun (uncountable, US, Canada):

    Paper in sheets 8½ in × 14 in (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm).

  3. Legal as a noun (countable):

    A spy who is attached to, and ostensibly employed by, an embassy, military outpost, etc.

  1. Unlawful as an adjective (legal):

    Prohibited; not permitted by law (either civil or criminal law; see illegal).

    Examples:

    "He was charged with unlawful use of a car."