illicitness

[/ɪˈlɪsɪtnəs/]
noun
ilicitude
1. the quality or state of being illicit; the condition of being illegal, forbidden, or improper
The illicitness of the drug trade makes it extremely dangerous.
A ilicitude do tráfico de drogas o torna extremamente perigoso.
2. the character of being unlawful or prohibited by law or social convention
The illicitness of their relationship was a source of scandal in the conservative community.
A ilicitude de seu relacionamento foi fonte de escândalo na comunidade conservadora.
This is a formal, technical term primarily used in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It appears frequently in discussions of criminal law, ethics, and social policy. The Portuguese equivalent 'ilicitude' is equally formal and technical in nature.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
illegalityunlawfulnessimproprietyprohibitionforbiddenness
Antonyms / Antônimos
legalitylawfulnesslegitimacyproprietypermissibility

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ilicitude
standard formal usage in legal and academic contexts
Portugal
ilicitude
used in legal Portuguese with the same meaning
General Brazilian
caráter ilícito
alternative phrase emphasizing the illicit character

Related Words

illicitillicitlyillegalillegalityprohibitioncontraband

Related Idioms & Phrases

the illicitness of the matter
despite the illicitness involved
the illicitness of such conduct
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