Illegitimate

Illegitimate, in its core meaning, describes something not sanctioned by law or custom, often pertaining to the status of a child born to parents not legally married. It implies a lack of validity, authenticity, or rightfulness. The term can extend beyond familial contexts, characterizing actions, arguments, or practices deemed unlawful, unethical, or contrary to established norms and conventions. It suggests a breach of societal rules and expectations, frequently carrying a connotation of impropriety or unfairness. The degree of severity can vary, depending on the specific application and the context in which it is used.

Illegitimate meaning with examples

• The scandal erupted when it was revealed the politician had an Illegitimate child. This created a crisis of trust, damaging his reputation, and raising questions about his personal integrity. The revelation of this 'illegitimate' familial situation had serious repercussions. Public outcry was high and many people called for his resignation. This damaged his career and personal life.
• The company's attempt to gain market share through 'illegitimate' business practices, such as price-fixing and collusion, drew the scrutiny of regulatory bodies. These practices harmed competitors and consumers. This resulted in severe fines, reputational damage, and legal battles, demonstrating the consequences of such actions for the company and stakeholders.
• Historians debated the legitimacy of the claim to the throne. If it was deemed 'illegitimate', then that would rewrite many historical narratives. There was fierce competition for power, and the contenders fought to claim what they believed was rightfully theirs. The power struggle shook the kingdom.
• Her claim to the inheritance was deemed 'illegitimate' due to a previously undisclosed will. The will revealed that a different party should benefit from the will. She fought a lengthy legal battle. It became increasingly clear, through various tests that she was the right person to inherit this.
• The proposal was seen as 'illegitimate' by many within the organization because it lacked proper authorization. This lack of legitimacy prevented further progress. It was blocked by legal processes and regulations. Those who opposed this idea spoke about how this was a bad idea that could get their company in trouble.