unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st How to pronounce unlicensed (audio)
Synonyms of unlicensednext
: not licensed: such as
a
: not authorized or permitted by a license
unlicensed merchandise
an unlicensed firearm
the unlicensed reproduction of books
b
: operating without a license
unlicensed vendors
an unlicensed electrician
unlicensed brokers
unlicensed drivers

Examples of unlicensed 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.
Lucas said in a news release that the city needs to crack down on unlicensed businesses skirting city regulations that are too often connected to violence. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 An electrician licensed in Philadelphia is legally unlicensed in Pittsburgh. — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Years after unlicensed plumbing and electrical work wrapped up at SouthPark Swim & Tennis Club, the private south Charlotte club is still working to fix it. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Flocks of tourists maneuvered around lumbering delivery trucks, hawked to by distributors of seemingly unlicensed 2026 Knicks championship gear. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlicensed

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlicensed was in 1577

Rhymes for unlicensed

See All Rhymes for unlicensed

Browse Nearby Words

unliberated
unlicensed
unlicked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlicensed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlicensed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

unlicensed

adjective
un·​li·​censed
variants or chiefly British unlicenced
-ˈlīs-ᵊn(t)st
: not licensed
especially, of a drug : not approved for use by the appropriate regulating authority (as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States)

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