unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st 

: not licensed: such as

a

: not authorized or permitted by a license

unlicensed merchandise

an unlicensed firearm

the unlicensed reproduction of books

b

: operating without a license

unlicensed vendors

an unlicensed electrician

unlicensed brokers

unlicensed drivers

Examples of unlicensed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

States and tribal groups accuse them of offering an unlicensed gambling product under the guise of being a financial asset. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Watson also warned county residents to be on the lookout for unlicensed contractors. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Is that wider access to justice or an unlicensed ghost practicing law? — Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

States have pushed back, saying that contracts tied to sports amount to unlicensed wagering. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unlicensed

• licenced
• licensed

Medical Definition

unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed

variants or chiefly British unlicenced

-ˈlīs-ᵊn(t)st

: not licensed

especially, of a drug : not approved for use by the appropriate regulating authority (as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States)