undocumented

American  

[uhn-dok-yuh-men-tid] / ʌnˈdɒk yəˌmɛn tɪd /

adjective

1. lacking documentation or authentication.

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

   an undocumented worker;

   undocumented immigrants.

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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:

• undocumented vs. illegal

Example Sentences

Its unusual body structure highlights just how diverse termite species can be and points to how many organisms in tropical environments remain undocumented.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Federal authorities raided the plant in 2024, alleging that Fuyao and its affiliate companies conspired to transport, house and employ undocumented immigrants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

He pointed to Chávez’s treatment of undocumented immigrants, whom the leader accused of threatening union power in a 1970s effort to report them to federal authorities.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

For decades, the government managed a fragile truce with undocumented immigrants, who in return for paying taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, would not have their financial disclosures given to immigration enforcement agencies.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

It was because of this continuous stream of undocumented human souls that, a few months after our arrival, my mother warned me about the perils of a favourite habit of mine: begging for food.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane