unapproved

adjective

un·​ap·​proved ˌən-ə-ˈprüvd How to pronounce unapproved (audio)
Synonyms of unapprovednext
: not judged to be acceptable : not given official approval : not approved
drugs unapproved by the FDA
an unapproved credit card transaction
unapproved travel expenses

Examples of unapproved 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.
In a letter in September, Zambia’s ZCCM-IH accused the Emirati company of failing to provide equity funding and taking on unapproved debt. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Employee beverage tumblers with unapproved lid were at the shelf of the front service prep area and main kitchen food prep table. — Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Federal law prohibits the commercial sale of unapproved drugs, but that hasn't stopped vendors from selling imitation versions of the experimental drug online at a scale with no modern precedent. — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Adding unapproved peptides to the FDA’s list of compoundable drugs would mark a departure from the list’s purpose, said Peter Lurie, a former FDA official who now directs the advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest. — CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unapproved

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unapproved was in 1667

Rhymes for unapproved

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Browse Nearby Words

unappropriated
unapproved
unapt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unapproved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unapproved. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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