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

An unofficial Russian news channel on Telegram, Astra, said the strike targeted the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a major state defense enterprise. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026

An unofficial Russian news channel on Telegram, Astra, likewise said earlier Saturday that the strike targeted the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a major state defense enterprise. —Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026

There's an unofficial dress code in the figure skating world. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026

For those curious about testing Long John Silver’s unofficial offerings, remember to keep your expectations realistic. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 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