Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner that violates the law; in a criminal way: Describes an action done with the intent or effect of committing a crime, or in a way that is illegal.
   • In a shockingly bad or shameful manner: Describes an action or state that is so wrong, negligent, or reprehensible as to be considered outrageous, though not necessarily illegal.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (illegal/criminal manner):

  • The accountant was accused of acting criminally by falsifying the company's financial records.
  • Evidence showed the funds had been criminally misappropriated.

• Adverb (shameful/outrageous manner):

  • The historic building was criminally neglected for decades and fell into ruin.
  • It is criminally wasteful to discard so much perfectly good food.

Advanced Usage

• "criminally liable": Legally responsible for committing a crime.
  • The directors were found criminally liable for the safety violations.
• "criminally insane": A legal term for a person who cannot be held responsible for a crime due to severe mental illness.
  • The defendant was declared criminally insane and committed to a psychiatric institution.

Variants and Related Words

• Criminal (adjective): Relating to or involving crime.
  • He faced criminal charges for his actions.
• Criminal (noun): A person who has committed a crime.
• Criminality (noun): The state of being criminal; criminal behavior.

Synonyms

• Illegally: In a way that is contrary to or forbidden by law.
• Unlawfully: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
• Outrageously: In a manner that is shockingly bad or excessive.
• Shamefully: In a way that deserves or causes disgrace.

Antonyms

• Legally: In a manner conforming to or permitted by law.
• Lawfully: In a way that is allowed or recognized by law.
• Properly: In a correct or acceptable manner.

Related Phrases

• Criminally negligent: Failing to exercise the care that a reasonable person would, to a degree that becomes a criminal offense.
  • The company was prosecuted for being criminally negligent in its waste disposal.
• Criminally inclined: Having a tendency or disposition towards criminal behavior.
  • The program aims to support young people who are at risk of becoming criminally inclined.

Adverb

1. in violation of the law; in a criminal manner
   • the alterations in the document were ruled to be criminally fraudulent
2. in a shameful manner
   • the garden was criminally neglected