unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
also -ō-
Synonyms of unofficialnext
: not authorized or acknowledged by a government, group, class, or society : not official
unofficial results
an unofficial policy
unofficially adverb

Examples of unofficial 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.
Sacramento’s ‘official unofficial’ World Cup headquarters Throughout the World Cup’s opening match, booze and food from the Line’s commercial kitchen space — including a special pop-up from Mexican restaurant La Sabrocita — flowed freely among the spirited fans. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026 Capris are the unofficial pants trend of summer 2026, and this slim-fitting denim pair makes the controversial cut a lot easier to pull off. Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 11 June 2026 For generations, the Hudson Valley has served as New York City’s unofficial backyard—a place for summer swimming, antique hunting, leaf peeping, and weekends spent trading loud sirens for sweet birdsong. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026 But Saeta, which has been outfitting the team since coming to its rescue after the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake, has been struggling to keep up with demands, creating an opening for designers and other vendors selling unofficial merchandise. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unofficial

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unofficial was in 1784

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Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

unofficial

adjective
un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
: not official
specifically : of, relating to, or being a drug not described in the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary compare nonofficial, official

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