The meaning of CRIMINAL is relating to, involving, or being a crime. How to use criminal in a sentence.

A criminal is someone who breaks the law. If you're a murderer, thief, or tax cheat, you're a criminal.

Define criminal. criminal synonyms, criminal pronunciation, criminal translation, English dictionary definition of criminal. adj. 1. Of, involving, or having the nature of crime: criminal abuse.

CRIMINAL definition: 1. someone who commits a crime: 2. relating to crime: 3. very bad or morally wrong: . Learn more.

When certain acts or people are involved in or related to a crime, they are referred to as criminal. For example: “criminal conspiracy,” “criminal taking,” a “criminal gang.”

If you describe an action as criminal, you think it is very wrong or a serious mistake.

Dec 3, 2025 · FindLaw explains the differences between criminal negligence and ordinary negligence, the crimes that involve it, and the potential penalties associated with criminal …