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

Brandon Hightower, 32, was charged Thursday with reckless driving and unlicensed operation of a vehicle, police said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

The state did little to punish the unlicensed farmer who sold it. — STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

That is how uninsured crews, unlicensed operators and fly-by-night outfits win jobs. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Beginning the next day, Pennsylvania State Police say unlicensed machines outside casinos and qualifying truck stops may be seized, and the businesses operating them could face prosecution. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 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)