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

Not holding an official licence; not authorized.

"He was fined for driving an unlicensed vehicle."

"The clinic was shut down for operating unlicensed."

How to use unlicensed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOperating or existing without the official permission or licence required.

Common pairings

unlicensed driver unlicensed premises unlicensed software

Word forms

more unlicensed comparative, most unlicensed superlative

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Fill the gap

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He was fined for driving an _____ vehicle.

Etymology

From "un-" + "licensed."

Rhymes for unlicensed

sensed licensed incensed condensed

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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.