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

Nothing like the World Cup’s unofficial pre-game soundtrack to reinforce this eternal, universal message. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Combined, these traits have led the plant to be known as the unofficial state weed of Washington. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026

Best Sundress Deals Sundresses are the unofficial uniform of summer, and there’s no shortage of styles to choose from that have been marked down to usher in the new season. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

This page shows partial and unofficial vote counts for Maryland’s June 23 primary election, which, except for school board races, was limited to Democratic and Republican voters. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 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