ulovlige

Ulovlige is a Norwegian adjective meaning not in accordance with the law, in other words illegal. It is used to describe actions, objects, or conditions that violate legal rules. The basic form of the adjective is ulovlig, and ulovlige is the plural form used with plural nouns. The corresponding noun is ulovlighet, referring to illegality.

Etymology and form: the word is built from lov (law) plus the prefix u- meaning not, with the adjective suffix -lig. This makes ulovlig- into ulovlige when describing multiple items or instances. In standard Norwegian, ulovlig is the normative adjective for describing something illegal, while ulovligheter (plural) or ulovligheter can refer to multiple illegalties.

Usage and nuance: ulovlige is commonly found in legal texts, news reporting, and everyday language when talking about violations of law. Examples include ulovlige stoffer (illegal drugs), ulovlige innreise eller opphold (illegal entry or residence), and ulovlige handlinger (illegal acts). The term emphasizes breach of legal rules, as opposed to forbudt, which means prohibited in a broader sense and may not imply a specific legal breach. In some contexts, ille­gal or illegalt are used, but ulovlig and ulovlige are the standard terms in Norwegian.

See also: lov (law), ulovlighet (illegality), forbud (prohibition).