unauthorized
Americanadjective
-
lacking permission; unsanctioned.
unauthorized access.
-
lacking proper immigration or working papers: an unauthorized immigrant.
an unauthorized worker;
an unauthorized immigrant.
adjective
Sensitivity
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.
The department said the new policy announced Wednesday “builds upon” the one announced two years ago and extends beyond deputy gangs and hate groups to include “any unauthorized clique.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026
Japan’s financial authorities are stepping up cybersecurity efforts after the fallout from an attack on a server-hosting company spilled over into unauthorized foreign-exchange trades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
The ship had been attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz via an "unauthorized and dangerous route", according to state media.
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026
Last month, Amazon blocked Muse from its site, with users shown a notice saying unauthorized AI agents violate Amazon’s conditions of use.
From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026
Nowhere was this as clearly evident as in the fair’s restrictions on unauthorized photography.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
