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

Here’s how each quarterback performed in the limited live action, which features unofficial stats without yardage and no touchdowns or interceptions on the day. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025

This is not the first time Clark has served as the Indiana Fever's unofficial child wrangler. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025

Friday’s Revere tribute serves as an unofficial kickoff, tying 1775 to 2025. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

That might explain why cannabis-friendly food holidays like 4/20 have become unofficial showcases for fast-food indulgence. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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