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.
Unauthorized changes are often a sign of fraud, identity theft or elder financial abuse, which can result in civil and criminal charges.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026
In this Money Talks: Journalist and author Tarpley Hitt joins Emily Peck to discuss her new book Barbieland: The Unauthorized History which reveals the shady history behind the super-star doll.
From Slate • Jan. 6, 2026
Unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer return information is a felony that can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.
From Salon • Jul. 15, 2025
“I could hardly talk. It took me three minutes to complete a sentence,” Willis is quoted as saying in “Bruce Willis: The Unauthorized Biography,” published in 1997.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024
‘At any rate,’ Thalia said, ‘we’re keeping an eye on Nico and the satyr. Unauthorized males aren’t allowed anywhere near this place, but we left them a note so they wouldn’t worry.’
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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.
