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.
Sadly, Armando was unauthorized to give me merch, but he did offer me a gift card in a tiny envelope.
From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026
Prosecutors allege that Brown provided unauthorized training to China’s air force, including by speaking at a Beijing military conference on topics including the F-35 stealth fighter and the structure of the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
The Hong Kong-based financial firm came under pressure after China’s securities regulator launched a broad crackdown on unauthorized cross-border investing, targeting online brokerages.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
Charles Littlejohn pleaded guilty in 2023 to unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information.
From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026
One agent complained that “information contained in reports immediately gets into the possession of unauthorized and unscrupulous persons.”
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
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.
