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

The unlicensed doctor who runs the clinic, Luis Rojas Cabrera, was arrested for practicing without a license and reckless endangerment. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

On Friday, New York became the latest state to put a halt to the markets, filing a petition that accuses industry leader Kalshi of operating an unlicensed gambling platform. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 31 July 2026

The state of New York is suing prediction market Kalshi to stop it from operating in the state, arguing the platform amounts to unlicensed gambling. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

The shooting occurred after a 311 complaint warned the city a week earlier that social media posts were advertising plans to serve alcohol at an unlicensed business without a liquor license. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 July 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)