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

Another, by the Agency for Health Care Administration, examined whether the Flagami house where Rabell lived was an unlicensed elder care facility. —Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

Rather than prohibiting unlicensed copies, the patent became, combined with the rise of the internet, a blueprint for pirates. —Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026

What’s more, those opponents say, the measure would allow foster kids to be placed in unlicensed residential facilities that are not regulated or overseen by the state. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

New York City is suing the firm behind unlicensed rideshare app Empower after years of the company being accused of flouting city rules. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 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)