undocumented
Americanadjective
-
lacking documentation or authentication.
-
lacking proper immigration or working papers: undocumented immigrants.
an undocumented worker;
undocumented immigrants.
Sensitive Note
See illegal alien.
Etymology
Origin of undocumented
First recorded in 1880–85; un- 1 + documented ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does undocumented compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When something is undocumented, it's not written down or recorded. When a person is undocumented. they don't have the proper records or identification that the law requires. These days in the U.S., you're very likely to come across this word in the context of immigration. When you hear about someone who's an undocumented worker or an undocumented immigrant, it means that they were born in another country, moved to the U.S. at some point, and don't currently have the legal documentation they need to work, attend school, or otherwise live freely and openly.
Vocabulary lists containing undocumented
The Circuit
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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.
Department of Homeland Security records submitted in immigration court show that ICE acted based on information about undocumented workers at the carwash received by its tip line.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Last month, Britain and France signed a new three-year deal to stop undocumented migrants making the risky journey across the Channel in small boats.
From Barron's • May 3, 2026
He supports creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution profiled two Argentine-Americans living in North Carolina who had supported Trump because of his tough stance against undocumented immigrants.
From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026
According to Mr. Ingman, I have to emphasize the fact that my parents are still undocumented.
From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez
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.
