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Synonyms

unauthorized

American  
[uhn-aw-thuh-rahyzd] / ʌnˈɔ θəˌraɪzd /

adjective

  1. lacking permission; unsanctioned.

    unauthorized access.

  2. lacking proper immigration or working papers: an unauthorized immigrant.

    an unauthorized worker;

    an unauthorized immigrant.


unauthorized British  
/ ʌnˈɔːθəˌraɪzd /

adjective

  1. not having official permission

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing unauthorized

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.

Bolton was accused of sharing classified files by email with two "unauthorized individuals" who have not been identified but are believed to be his wife and daughter.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Hasbro realized that unauthorized iterations of its brands would inevitably surface—as some already have—across chat, voice, gaming and content-creation platforms as AI-native experiences become increasingly commonplace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

It stops law enforcement agents, including federal agents, from “providing unauthorized access, disruption, modification, or seizure of voter rolls, voter lists, or certified voting technology,” without a court order.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

“We will be deploying drone mitigation and interception teams with capabilities to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity that threatens aviation safety or the public around venues at major events,” Grandy said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

It issued thirty fines for carrying Kodaks without a permit, thirty-seven for taking unauthorized photographs.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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