unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st How to pronounce unlicensed (audio)
Synonyms of unlicensednext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, despite the deluge of social media posts from hair transplant recipients, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery warns that many Turkish hair clinics are unlicensed and lack proper medical oversight. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 The goal is to ostensibly prevent piracy and unlicensed sharing. Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026 However, despite the deluge of social media posts from hair transplant recipients, including Huffman, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery warns that many Turkish hair clinics are unlicensed and lack proper medical oversight. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026 The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that 29-year-old Autumn Bardisa, of Palm Coast, entered the guilty plea on Tuesday to unlicensed practice of healthcare and fraudulent use of identification. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlicensed

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlicensed was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Unlicensed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlicensed. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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)

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