illegally

Illegally is an adverb used to describe actions that violate the law or are not authorized by law. It is the adverbial form of the adjective illegal.

Its use spans criminal, civil, and administrative contexts. An action is illegal if it contravenes statutes, regulations, or court orders applicable in a given jurisdiction. Because laws vary by country and region, what is illegal in one place may be lawful in another.

The term is common in journalism, legal commentary, and everyday speech to indicate that something was done in violation of the law, rather than merely without permission. Examples include illegally parked cars, illegally downloaded content, or illegally obtained funds.

Illegally describes the manner of action, not the outcome, and is best understood in relation to the specific legal framework involved. It is distinct from legally or lawfully, and is related to concepts such as illegality, unlawfulness, and illicit activity.

Because illegality can be contested or unresolved, usage may carry nuance or be subject to interpretation by authorities, courts, or researchers.