unauthorized
Americanadjective
-
lacking permission; unsanctioned.
unauthorized access.
-
lacking proper immigration or working papers: an unauthorized immigrant.
an unauthorized worker;
an unauthorized immigrant.
adjective
Sensitive Note
See illegal alien.
Etymology
Origin of unauthorized
First recorded in 1595–1600; un- 1 ( def. ) + authorized ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hasbro confirmed "identified unauthorized access to the Company's network" in a filing made to the US government.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Copyright Office has called for new federal legislation to protect content creators from unauthorized, AI-generated copies of their work, but no progress has been made yet.
From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026
So there were unauthorized people in the U.S.
From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026
Under the War Powers Resolution passed by Congress in 1973, unauthorized deployments into hostile situations must end after 60 days unless Congress votes to declare war or passes legislation authorizing the use of the military.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
“Everyone at the Park has. And everyone working in conjunction with the Park. It ensures protection against espionage and the unauthorized disclosure of information.”
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
