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

Federal authorities said the deployment was done to quell demonstrations sparked by sweeping raids on undocumented migrants, but local and state leaders called it an unnecessary escalation of force.

Read more on Barron's

On Monday, federal agents arrested an undocumented Latin Kings street gang member and charged him with putting a bounty on Bovino’s head.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The administration says it is removing dangerous criminals from the country, and the White House and Department of Homeland Security frequently tout the arrests and detentions of undocumented migrants with violent criminal histories.

Read more on BBC

Some industry analysts have said the Tricolor bankruptcy underscores the pressures on undocumented immigrants and other consumers with limited access to credit.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He reassured her that being undocumented did not gatekeep someone from belonging.

Read more on Los Angeles Times