unauthorized
Unauthorized (adj) means Done without official permission. Example: “The company blocked unauthorized access to its servers.”
adj
1
Done without official permission.
"The dangers of scofflawry vary wildly. The person who illegally spits on the sidewalk remains disgusting, but clearly poses less risk to others than the company that illegally buries hazardous chemical waste in an unauthorized location."
— Frank Trippett, Essay: A Red Light for Scofflaws (1983)
"The company blocked unauthorized access to its servers."
"An unauthorized biography of the singer was published without her approval."
How to use unauthorized
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLacking the proper permission or approval.
UK vs US
Spelled "unauthorised" in British English.
Common pairings
unauthorized access
unauthorized use
unauthorized personnel
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Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unauthorized
sized
prized
baptized
utilized
notarized
polarized
civilized
idealized
organized
oversized
localized
motorized
See all rhymes for unauthorized →
Frequently asked questions
What does “unauthorized” mean?
The word “unauthorized” means done without official permission. In plain terms, lacking the proper permission or approval.
How do you use “unauthorized” in a sentence?
Here is “unauthorized” used in a sentence: “The company blocked unauthorized access to its servers.”
What part of speech is “unauthorized”?
“Unauthorized” is an adjective.
Is “unauthorized” a common word?
“Unauthorized” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between unauthorized and illegal?
Unauthorized means done without official permission, which is not always the same as illegal; an action can lack authorization from a specific person or body without breaking any law. Illegal specifically means the action violates the law itself.
What is the difference between unauthorized and unlicensed?
Unauthorized broadly means done without official permission from anyone with authority to grant it, while unlicensed specifically refers to lacking a formal license, such as for a profession or activity. Unlicensed is a narrower, more specific case of being unauthorized.
Is unauthorized spelled differently in British English?
In British English, this word is often spelled unauthorised, with an s instead of a z, following the general British preference for -ise endings. Both spellings are understood, with unauthorized more common in American English.
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