unsanctioned

adjective

un·​sanc·​tioned ˌən-ˈsaŋ(k)-shənd 

: lacking effective or authoritative approval or consent : not sanctioned

an unsanctioned boxing match

… a solution unsanctioned by educated custom …

—Edward Finegan

Examples of unsanctioned in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once a signifier of unsanctioned parties, the word rave has never been more ubiquitous. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026

The real ask is usually governance to make the unsanctioned workflow safe, audited and scalable. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Last week, Whitney Museum displays that advertised the current Whitney Biennial briefly bore unsanctioned messages in support of Palestine, courtesy the artist Jonathan Allen. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

The pops of unsanctioned fireworks from around the city could be heard in the distance. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsanctioned

• sanctioned