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

The candy bars, which are likely to be circulated in unofficial sales channels across Europe, can be identified by a unique batch code assigned to individual bars and when scanned would relay instructions on how to contact KitKat, the company said. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

The missing candy bars could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets, the company said, but if this does happen, all products can be traced using the unique batch code assigned to individual bars. —ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

The closure forced Kenyan khat traders to route exports to Somalia through costly air shipments, which drove up prices and left farmers at the mercy of cartels who levied unofficial commissions. —Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Two other referendums affecting Northfield and Northbrook residents passed, per unofficial results, all raising property taxes for a majority of homes in the area. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 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