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. )
Explanation
If something is officially not approved, it's unauthorized. An unauthorized biography is written without the consent or cooperation of its subject. If a person lacks the authority to do something, you can describe them as unauthorized: "Sorry, I'm unauthorized to let you into the secret clubhouse." Otherwise, this adjective means "not permitted." Many unauthorized things are also illegal, like an online company's unauthorized use of personal information. To authorize is to give approval.
Vocabulary lists containing unauthorized
No Talking
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Novel Study: Their Eyes Were Watching God, Chapters 7–15
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Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun
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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.
Polymarket has reimbursed some customers who suffered losses, while others have worked with their banks to reverse unauthorized charges, said a person familiar with the matter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026
In his most recent essay, Amodei reiterated cracking down on unauthorized distillation in countries, such as China, and on chip smuggling.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
United remains hopeful it can retain the young star, a person with knowledge of the situation but unauthorized to comment told the Associated Press.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
Detecting the unauthorized disclosure of national defense information is one thing.
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026
The morning after our unauthorized detour, he appeared at the house.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
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.
