WordGarden.ioillegitimate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪlədʒˈɪtɪmət/
US
- /ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtəmɪt/
Meanings
Adjective
not lawful, authorized, or valid under rules or authority
born to parents who are not legally married to each other; a birth-status label often considered outdated or stigmatizing when applied to a person
not justified by sound reasoning or accepted standards
Beyond the definition
"Illegitimate" carries a weight of history. It originally referred to a child born outside of marriage. That meaning still exists, though people now often use gentler phrases such as "born outside of marriage." More often today, the word describes something that is not lawful, not fair, or not properly accepted as real or valid. An illegitimate government may have taken power by force. An illegitimate claim may rest on false information. An illegitimate use of money or power suggests that something is wrong at its base and does not have proper standing.
The word "illegitimate" originally described a child born to parents who were not married, and for a long time it carried strong social judgment. That meaning still exists, though it is now often expressed more carefully as "born outside of marriage." Over time, the word also developed a broader meaning. Today, "illegitimate" often describes something that is not lawful, not valid, not properly accepted, or not rightfully established.
It is a strong word that suggests a lack of proper basis or authority. An illegitimate government may have taken power by force and lack public support. An illegitimate claim may be based on false information. An illegitimate child, in the older sense of the word, is one born outside of marriage. A business practice that breaks rules or ignores the law can also be described as illegitimate.
Context matters. While it can still refer to birth status, you are more likely to meet "illegitimate" in discussions about claims, actions, governments, power, or authority. In these cases, it points to something that lacks legal, moral, or social acceptance. It suggests a deep problem in origin, basis, or rightfulness.
Consider the phrase "illegitimate use of power." It does not mean someone simply used power. It means the power was used unfairly, unlawfully, or without rightful authority. So when you encounter "illegitimate," think beyond simply "wrong." The word usually points to a deeper lack of validity, fairness, or proper standing.
Examples
- 1
Birth status
The novel tells the story of a king’s illegitimate son.
- Caution
In modern English, this use about birth is formal and often avoided.
- 2
Election tactics
The campaign was accused of using illegitimate tactics to influence voters.
- 3
Billing
She challenged the illegitimate fees that had been added to her bill.
- 4
Legal claim
The judge dismissed the company’s illegitimate claim to the land.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political power
After the coup, many people regarded the new regime as illegitimate.
- Patternregard + person/thing + as + description
think of it in that way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- illegitimate claim
- illegitimate authority
- illegitimate use of force
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- illegitimatenounadjective
Forms
- illegitimatespluralnounadjective