unauthorized

adjective

un·​au·​tho·​rized ˌən-ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīzd How to pronounce unauthorized (audio)
Synonyms of unauthorizednext
: not authorized : without authority or permission
an unauthorized biography
unauthorized communications
was unauthorized to act for her husband

Examples of unauthorized 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.
The commercials in question aired in violation of a decades-old congressional prohibition against using federal money for unauthorized publicity and propaganda. — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Explain what happened and ask about securing your accounts or disputing unauthorized transactions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 In addition, Monroe said that Target has safeguards preventing unauthorized agents and bots from accessing customer accounts and initiating transactions on a human’s behalf. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 Fortunately, transparency logs account for much of that failure, but this measure requires parties to actively monitor massive feeds and works only after unauthorized certificates have been issued. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unauthorized

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unauthorized was in 1597

Rhymes for unauthorized

See All Rhymes for unauthorized

Browse Nearby Words

unauthoritative
unauthorized
unautomated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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