undocumented

[uhn-dok-yuh-men-tid]

adjective

1. lacking documentation or authentication.

2. lacking proper immigration or working papers: undocumented immigrants.

   an undocumented worker;

   undocumented immigrants.

Sensitive Note

See illegal alien.

Word History and Origins

Origin of undocumented¹

First recorded in 1880–85; un- ¹ + documented ( def. )

Example Sentences

More than 7,100 undocumented immigrants have been arrested in the Los Angeles area by federal authorities since June 6, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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As of last month, federal authorities had arrested more than 7,100 undocumented immigrants in the Los Angeles area since June 6, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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The suit threatens the higher education goals of about 80,000 undocumented college students, many who arrived in the state as children.

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“A lot of people, especially those who are undocumented, feel alone,” she said.

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The state’s biggest undocumented group, estimated to be 70,000, are community college students.

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