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.
Anthropic said last week that it is investigating potentially unauthorized access to Mythos, adding to fears about a potential avalanche of software bugs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
As one of the most popular musicians, Swift has dealt with her share of unauthorized AI-generated content.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
In China, some star actors recently denounced the unauthorized use of their likenesses in AI-generated videos.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act’s Wiretap Act prohibits unauthorized interception of wire, oral and electronic communications.
From Salon • Apr. 23, 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
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.
