The word "unlawfulness" is spelled with six syllables, and is pronounced as /ʌnˈlɔːfəlnəs/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, followed by "n" and "law." The fourth syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by "f," "əl," and "nəs." The word refers to the state of being illegal or against the law. It is important to spell this word correctly in legal and official documents to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
Unlawfulness refers to the state or quality of being illegal or contrary to the law. It represents the condition or characteristic of actions, behavior, or circumstances that are not permitted or authorized by the legal system of a particular jurisdiction.
In a legal context, unlawfulness signifies the absence of conformity to established laws, regulations, codes, or statutes. It suggests actions or behavior that are prohibited and subject to punishment or legal consequences. Unlawfulness can encompass a wide range of activities or situations, including criminal offenses, civil violations, or breaches of contract.
Understanding unlawfulness requires an examination of the specific legal framework within a given jurisdiction. What may be considered unlawful in one jurisdiction might be permissible or even lawful in another. The concept of unlawfulness is central to the functioning of a legal system, as it establishes the boundaries and limits of acceptable behavior within a society and provides a basis for maintaining order and justice.
Unlawfulness is often associated with terms such as illegal, illicit, prohibited, or wrongful. It denotes actions or conduct that are deemed morally or socially unacceptable due to their violation of established legal norms. Legal professionals, including judges, lawyers, and legislators, play a crucial role in determining the unlawfulness of certain activities and applying appropriate legal sanctions.
State of being contrary to law.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unlawfulness" is derived from the combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "lack of" and the noun "lawfulness", which is derived from the noun "law".
The noun "law" originates from Middle English "lawe" and Old English "lagu", which meant "something laid down or fixed". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lagam", meaning "law" or "layer".
The Old English word "lagu" was influenced by the Old Norse word "lag", which had a similar meaning. Both these words ultimately derive from the Proto-Indo-European root "*legh-", meaning "to lay" or "to put", which underlies the concept of something being set or fixed.
The suffix "-ness" is used to form abstract nouns that indicate a state or condition.