unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl 

also -ō-

: not authorized or acknowledged by a government, group, class, or society : not official

unofficial results

an unofficial policy

unofficially adverb

Examples of unofficial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other pictures on unofficial Telegram channels showed residents crowding into underground stations. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026

The rock bridge is an especially precarious structure that’s located on an unofficial section of the trail, the Star-Advertiser reported. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

All those little unofficial participants, the sloops and ketches that will join the festivities, will be restricted to nine holding areas. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026

Nike likely has much more in store to celebrate the ruby anniversary, much of which should surface via official or unofficial channels as the occasion draws nearer. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unofficial

• artificial
• beneficial
• cicatricial
• interstitial
• nonjudicial
• nonofficial
• prejudicial
• sacrificial
• superficial
• extrajudicial
• semiofficial
• initial

Medical Definition

unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfish-əl 

: not official

specifically : of, relating to, or being a drug not described in the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary compare nonofficial, official