adjective
unlicensed
uhn-LEYE-suhnst
Unlicensed (adjective) means not holding an official licence; not authorized. Example: “He was fined for driving an unlicensed vehicle.”
adjective
1
Not holding an official licence; not authorized.
"Since then, three more babies have died in unlicensed child-care programs in Virginia."
— Sharon Veatch, Child-care licensing isn't hard — but it should be required (2014)
"He was fined for driving an unlicensed vehicle."
"The clinic was shut down for operating unlicensed."
How to use unlicensed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOperating or existing without the official permission or licence required.
Common pairings
unlicensed driver
unlicensed premises
unlicensed software
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unlicensed
- Superlative
- most unlicensed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was fined for driving an _____ vehicle.
Etymology
From "un-" + "licensed."
Synonyms
View more →
unaccredited
unlicenced
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unlicensed
See all rhymes for unlicensed →Frequently asked questions
What does “unlicensed” mean?
The word “unlicensed” means not holding an official licence; not authorized. In plain terms, operating or existing without the official permission or licence required.
How do you pronounce “unlicensed”?
“Unlicensed” is pronounced uhn-LEYE-suhnst (/ˌʌnˈlaɪsənst/ in IPA).
How do you use “unlicensed” in a sentence?
Here is “unlicensed” used in a sentence: “He was fined for driving an unlicensed vehicle.”
What part of speech is “unlicensed”?
“Unlicensed” is an adjective.
