unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st How to pronounce unlicensed (audio)
: 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.
LoRaWAN runs on unlicensed spectrum, boasts a 10-year battery life and can cover many kilometers. Stephen Farrugia, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Years later, Lisa is commissioner of the NBA and Bart is running an unlicensed retirement home where Homer lives. Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 June 2025 Lisa is shown as the commissioner of the NBA while Bart runs an unlicensed retirement home, where their father Homer lives. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 Bart is running an unlicensed retirement home, where their father Homer lives, paid for by Lisa. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 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 3 Jul. 2025.

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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