Criminal
Noun, Adjective
UK
/ˈkrɪm.ɪ.nəl/
US
/ˈkrɪm.ə.nəl/
Level: Easy - A1 (Beginner)
Definition
(n) : A person who commits a crime.
(adj) : Relating to crime or illegal activity.
(adj) : Relating to crime or illegal activity.
Example
"(n) : The police caught the criminal."
"(adj) : Criminal behavior like fraud and theft can destroy trust in a community."
"(adj) : He was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of criminal activities."
Explanation
A criminal is someone who commits a crime. It describes both a person (noun) and their behaviour (adjective). For example, a thief is a criminal because stealing is a crime. As an adjective, “criminal behaviour” means activities against the law. Criminals face punishment such as fines, prison, or other penalties. The word can also be used informally to mean something very wrong, like “It’s criminal to waste food.” So it’s about illegal or seriously wrong actions.