unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
also -ō-
Synonyms of unofficialnext
: not authorized or acknowledged by a government, group, class, or society : not official
unofficial results
an unofficial policy
unofficially adverb

Examples of unofficial 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.
Israelis yearn for both says author Micah Goodman, who has written about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and previously served as an unofficial advisor to Israeli prime ministers. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 But for those who still had the energy, the Catroux Presidential Suite, with a terrace overlooking the city, became the site of the unofficial late-night party zone. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Regardless of a brand’s intent, sneakerheads love to coin unofficial nicknames for sneakers and often do so with monikers derived from pop-culture. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Reeling from the end of their quarterback’s season and the unofficial end to the Eagles’ hopes, the city is about at its limit. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unofficial

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unofficial was in 1784

Rhymes for unofficial

See All Rhymes for unofficial

Browse Nearby Words

unofficered
unofficial
unofficinal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

unofficial

adjective
un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
: not official
specifically : of, relating to, or being a drug not described in the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary compare nonofficial, official

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