unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
 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
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.
Last year, Leung and prominent LGBTQ+ activist Jimmy Sham, a former party leader, were sentenced to nearly seven years and more than four years, respectively, over their roles in an unofficial primary election under the sweeping security law. Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025 Outside were members of the brand’s unofficial posse, generally dressed in baggy jeans, T-shirts, and hat and headscarf combos, chanted ‘Obligatory’, the show’s name, as VIPs began to filter in while the crowd waited. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 In fact, the success of Lizzo’s unofficial remix online inspired her to make a whole tape. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025 In 2025, Canty took three other visits besides his recent official visits to Missouri and Michigan State: unofficial visits to Michigan State and Penn State in March, and an official visit to North Carolina in April. Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025 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 4 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unofficial

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