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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
These attacks can lead to unauthorized access, identity theft, and ransomware demands. Brian Gatke, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Joel Klug, who also competed in Borneo, also comments on the unauthorized eating. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024 As the Electronic Frontier Foundation recently noted, CBP and Border Patrol have tested various iterations of a surveillance network along the border for decades — and time after time, these systems have been shown to be costly and ineffective at reducing unauthorized border crossings. Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2024 The plaintiffs accuse the teams of copyright infringement and demand licensing fees and other damages, as well as an injunction to block further (allegedly unauthorized) usage. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unauthorized

Cite this Entry

“Unauthorized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unauthorized. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unauthorized

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!