unsanctioned

adjective

un·​sanc·​tioned ˌən-ˈsaŋ(k)-shənd How to pronounce unsanctioned (audio)
: 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
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.
Our top leaders should not be discussing what is clearly sensitive, likely classified information on unsanctioned platforms, like Signal. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025 The obsession with that question serves as a convenient distraction from the broader implications of cabinet members or government officials communicating through private or unsanctioned channels. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 At a code violation hearing on Dec. 4, Mayo was fined $2,500 for an unsanctioned event, records show. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2025 This refers to the unsanctioned use of AI tools by teams without approval or oversight from IT or security departments. Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsanctioned

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsanctioned was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsanctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsanctioned. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsanctioned

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!