criminal
A person who has committed a crime or done something illegal. This word describes someone who breaks the law and may be punished by the police or a court.
Examples
3 of 5The police caught the criminal after he stole the car.
The police caught the person who broke the law after he took the car.
The judge sent the criminal to prison for five years.
The judge sent the lawbreaker to jail for five years.
My brother is a bit of a fashion criminal because he wears socks with sandals.
My brother has very bad taste in clothes because he wears socks with sandals.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that a Criminal commits a Crime. Both words start with 'Cri-'.
Quick Quiz
The police finally caught the ____ who stole the money from the bank.
Correct!
The correct answer is: criminal
Examples
The police caught the criminal after he stole the car.
everydayThe police caught the person who broke the law after he took the car.
The judge sent the criminal to prison for five years.
formalThe judge sent the lawbreaker to jail for five years.
My brother is a bit of a fashion criminal because he wears socks with sandals.
informalMy brother has very bad taste in clothes because he wears socks with sandals.
Researchers are studying the background of the young criminal.
academicScientists are looking at the history of the young person who broke the law.
The bank was targeted by a professional criminal.
businessThe bank was attacked by a person who makes a living from illegal acts.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
partners in crime
two people who do something wrong or secret together
criminal intent
the plan or desire to do something illegal
criminal investigation
the process where police try to find out who committed a crime
Often Confused With
Crime is the illegal action itself, while a criminal is the person who does the action.
A convict is specifically someone currently in prison, but a criminal is anyone who has broken the law.
Usage Notes
The word can be used as both a noun (a person) and an adjective (relating to crime). In daily English, it is often used for serious lawbreakers.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes say 'He did a criminal' when they mean 'He committed a crime'. Use 'criminal' only for the person or to describe something illegal.
Memory Tip
Remember that a Criminal commits a Crime. Both words start with 'Cri-'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'criminalis', which means 'pertaining to a crime'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In most English-speaking cultures, calling someone a 'criminal' is a very strong and negative label.
Quick Quiz
The police finally caught the ____ who stole the money from the bank.
Correct!
The correct answer is: criminal
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More law words
justice
A1Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how people are treated. It also refers to the legal system and the way laws are used to punish people who do wrong.
verdict
A1A verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge in a court of law about whether someone is guilty or not guilty. It is also used to describe a person's final opinion or judgment about something after testing or considering it.
trial
A1A formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty of a crime. It involves a judge, and sometimes a jury, who listen to evidence and witnesses.
hearing
A1In a legal context, a hearing is a formal meeting where a judge or official listens to facts and arguments about a specific issue. It is typically shorter and less formal than a full trial but follows strict legal rules.
litigation
A1Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a legal disagreement. It involves a judge or jury making a final decision about a dispute between people or companies.
testimony
A1A formal statement given by a witness in a court of law or a public meeting. It is also used to describe something that serves as clear proof that a fact is true.
witness
A1A witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or an accident, take place. In a legal context, this person provides information or evidence in a court about what they observed.
crime
A1A crime is an action that is against the law and is punishable by the government. It refers to illegal activities like stealing or hurting someone.
felony
A1A felony is a very serious crime, such as murder or armed robbery. In legal systems, it is a crime that is punished more severely than a minor offense, often resulting in more than one year in prison.
charge
A1A charge is an official statement by the police or a court that says a person has committed a crime. It is the first formal step in a legal case against someone.
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