unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl 

also -ō-

: 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

Despite the Kennedy family's reputation as unofficial American royalty, John and Carolyn famously turned down the opportunity to have a blockbuster celebrity wedding. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026

The ministry urged the public to remain calm and avoid unofficial information. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 5 Mar. 2026

Keller Mayor Armin Mizani has a strong lead over former Tarrant County GOP Treasurer Fred Tate in the Republican primary for state House in District 98 after the early voting, according to unofficial results. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

The following are unofficial results for the 2026 primary election in Lincoln County. —Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unofficial

• artificial
• beneficial
• cicatricial
• interstitial
• nonjudicial
• nonofficial
• prejudicial
• sacrificial
• superficial
• extrajudicial
• semiofficial
• initial

Medical Definition

unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfish-əl 

: not official

specifically : of, relating to, or being a drug not described in the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary compare nonofficial, official