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.
Federal agents captured 18 immigrants facing deportation during their April 27 raid on an unlicensed Colorado Springs nightclub, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Max Levy, Denver Post, 9 May 2025 The unlicensed pickup truck driver McClean hit fled the crash. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 Even before Trump’s Inauguration, a city campaign named Operation Restore Roosevelt had forced the removal of many unlicensed street venders from the area, compounding the eerie quiet. Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 In July, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed emergency legislation allowing a multi-agency task force that includes ABCA, the police and the attorney general to padlock unlicensed operations. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 24 Apr. 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 23 May. 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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