illegitimate

/ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
noun
  1. A person born to parents who are not married to each other.
    • The old law denied certain rights to illegitimates.
    • In the story, the illegitimate is eventually accepted by the family.
    • Historically, illegitimates were often excluded from inheritance.
adjective
  1. Not allowed by rules or laws; illegal or improper.
    • They were accused of using illegitimate methods to win the election.
    • The court ruled that the contract was illegitimate because it was signed under pressure.
    • The company was shut down for engaging in illegitimate business practices.
  2. Born to parents who are not married to each other.
    • The novel tells the story of an illegitimate son seeking his father's approval.
    • In the past, illegitimate children often faced social stigma.
    • The king had several illegitimate children who were not recognized as heirs.
  3. Not valid or logical; not based on correct reasoning.
    • His argument relies on an illegitimate assumption about human nature.
    • The scientist argued that the conclusion was illegitimate because the data was flawed.
    • Drawing that conclusion from such weak evidence is an illegitimate leap.
What does "illegitimate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean