illegal

B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports

adj. not allowed by the rules of a game or organization.

adj. forbidden by established rules or regulations within a specific non-legal context, such as sports or corporate policy.

“The referee called a foul because the player made an illegal move.”

“The athlete was disqualified for using an illegal substance that was strictly prohibited by the international sporting federation.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · American English

n. a person who lives or works in a country without the correct legal documents.

n. an individual residing in a country without official legal authorization or valid immigration documents.

“The news report discussed the challenges faced by illegals living in the city.”

“The documentary explores the precarious lives of illegals who work in the agricultural sector without any social protections.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical · Formal

n. a spy who works in a foreign country without any official connection to their own government.

n. an intelligence officer operating under deep cover in a foreign country without diplomatic immunity or official ties to their home state.

“The agency spent years training the illegal to blend into the local community.”

“The exchange of captured illegals took place on a bridge at midnight, following months of quiet diplomatic negotiations between the two rival nations.”