unauthorized

adjective

un·​au·​tho·​rized ˌən-ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīzd How to pronounce unauthorized (audio)
Synonyms of unauthorizednext
: not authorized : without authority or permission
an unauthorized biography
unauthorized communications
was unauthorized to act for her husband

Examples of unauthorized in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More than two dozen law enforcement officials, from crime analysts to chiefs of police, have been charged with violating their oaths of office and conducting unauthorized searches within the Flock Safety system in Georgia in the past few months. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026 In March, for example, Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, which houses long-range B-52 bombers, went into lockdown after numerous unauthorized drones were spotted hovering over sensitive areas of the base. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 Some providers offer additional verification or other controls that can make unauthorized transfers harder. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The government pledged action, including a crackdown on unauthorized medical providers, to prevent more such infections. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unauthorized

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unauthorized was in 1597

Rhymes for unauthorized

See All Rhymes for unauthorized

Browse Nearby Words

unauthoritative
unauthorized
unautomated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unauthorized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unauthorized. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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