uncertified

American  

[uhn-sur-tuh-fahyd] / ʌnˈsɜr təˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. lacking certification, official documentation, or guarantee.

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Explanation

Anything that's not officially approved or accepted is uncertified. Don't celebrate winning that close election just yet — the results are still uncertified, so there might be a recount. When something is certified, it's been declared to be authentic or official, like a certified letter. When a person is certified, they've met a certain standard, like a certified accountant. Add the prefix un- ("not") and you get the opposite, something or someone who's failed to meet this standard of authenticity or expertise. If your school hires uncertified teachers, they may not be as well-educated as you'd like them to be.

Example Sentences

However, in exceptional cases, such as martial law or a state of emergency, the use of uncertified devices is allowed to meet the needs of the military and security forces.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025

For example, he said, it is against German law to fire uncertified shells from German howitzers.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2023

They cited Baldwin’s failure as an actor to appear for mandatory firearms training prior to filming and his decision as a producer to work with Gutierrez-Reed, who was an uncertified and inexperienced armorer.

From Washington Times • Feb. 10, 2023

In Tennessee, more than a third of staff teachers are uncertified, and more than 80% only work part time.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2022

Getting down to more verifiable facts, though, Ruby Archuleta was an uncertified midwife who had been safely delivering babies since 1940.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols