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 property was also accused of violating multiple ordinances regarding prostitution, public nuisance, unlicensed sale of alcohol, unlicensed sale of cannabis, and unlawful use or possession of a firearm. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

The hit-and-run crash that killed three people in North Carolina has gotten the attention of federal immigration officials, who say the suspect is an unlicensed driver in the country illegally, according to ICE. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

According to Silva, some unlicensed or underqualified clinics in South Florida will attract patients with lower prices. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

More than a dozen states with sports betting bans on the books have sued Kalshi and Polymarket for allegedly circumventing state laws by running unlicensed, unregulated gambling platforms. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 20 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)