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.
After all, the unofficial dress code for the night always calls for dazzling and shimmering glamour. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025 The unofficial family greeting party The sky was blue, with patches of clouds overhead when Angela Perez arrived at Alligator Alcatraz on an early November afternoon. Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025 Making music may be his day job, but setting trends has become Mahmood’s unofficial side hustle. Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025 Washington maintains close unofficial ties with Taiwan, and is bound by law to sell arms to the island for its self-defense – despite recognizing the People’s Republic as the sole legitimate government of China, and acknowledging Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 19 Dec. 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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