unauthorized

adjective

un·​au·​tho·​rized ˌən-ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīzd How to pronounce unauthorized (audio)
: 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 Trump is charged with the unauthorized possession and willful retention of national defense information. Robert Legare, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 In eight of the cases, which included accusations of unauthorized force, theft of $1,000 and drug possession, the department found no evidence of misconduct, could not determine whether the wrongdoing occurred or deemed his actions justified. Carolyn Van Houten, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 The state denied the request and instead fined North Wildwood for unauthorized beach repairs. Michael Casey, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2024 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subways, cited its rule against unauthorized commercial activity, which carries a $50 fine, and referred further inquiries to the police and City Hall. Andy Newman, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The company said its investigation determined that unauthorized actors had likely obtained certain usernames and passwords of consumers from third-party sources (that is, through data breaches of third-party services that are not related to Roku). Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 According to reports from the FTC, some companies even made unauthorized charges on customers’ credit cards long after their cases had already been closed. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 With the Maricopa Audubon Society, the center is suing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to stop unauthorized cattle grazing. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024 Any unauthorized person entering the court before the losing visiting team can safely exit will cost their home team the victory. Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unauthorized.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unauthorized was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near unauthorized

Cite this Entry

“Unauthorized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unauthorized. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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