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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. )

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 U.S. company later said it had stopped the “unauthorized use” of Starlink by Russian forces in Ukrainian territory.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the person who holds her power of attorney, your first priority should be to change these passwords, contact her bank and ask them to alert you to any other unauthorized changes.

From MarketWatch

Musk responded via X: “Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink by Russia have worked. Let us know if more needs to be done.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A notice taped outside one door says unauthorized entry is prohibited: “This includes all federal law enforcement personnel and activities unless authorized by lawful written direction from appropriate school officials or a valid court order.”

From Los Angeles Times

The think tank apologized for what it said was an “unauthorized and unapproved edit” and fired an employee over the incident.

From The Wall Street Journal