unofficial
uhn-uh-FIHSH-uhl
Unofficial (adjective) means not formally recognized or authorized. Example: “The results were still unofficial pending a final recount.”
adjective
1
Not formally recognized or authorized.
"The results were still unofficial pending a final recount."
"They held an unofficial vote among themselves before the real meeting."
"The fans organised an unofficial website to share news about the band."
2
Not acting with any real authority.
"He became the team's unofficial spokesperson simply because he talked to reporters the most."
"As the oldest neighbour, she acted as the street's unofficial leader and settled small disputes."
"Nobody appointed him, but he was the unofficial guide for every new student."
How to use unofficial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot made formal or official, even if it's widely accepted or true.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
unofficial results
unofficial spokesperson
unofficial estimate
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unofficial
- Superlative
- most unofficial
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The results were still _____ pending a final recount.
Etymology
From un- + official.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unofficial
See all rhymes for unofficial →Frequently asked questions
What does “unofficial” mean?
The word “unofficial” means not formally recognized or authorized. In plain terms, not made formal or official, even if it's widely accepted or true.
How do you pronounce “unofficial”?
“Unofficial” is pronounced uhn-uh-FIHSH-uhl (/ʌn.əˈfɪʃ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “unofficial” in a sentence?
Here is “unofficial” used in a sentence: “The results were still unofficial pending a final recount.”
What is another word for “unofficial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unofficial” include inofficial.
What is the opposite of “unofficial”?
The opposite of “unofficial” — its antonyms — is official.
What part of speech is “unofficial”?
“Unofficial” is an adjective.
Is “unofficial” a common word?
“Unofficial” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “unofficial” have?
“Unofficial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not formally recognized or authorized.
What is the difference between unofficial and informal?
Unofficial specifically means something lacks formal recognition, authorization, or endorsement from an official body, such as an unofficial record or unofficial spokesperson. Informal is broader and describes a relaxed style or setting, such as informal clothing or informal conversation, without necessarily implying a lack of authority.
Can an unofficial result later become official?
Yes, in contexts like elections or competitions, an unofficial result is often announced first based on preliminary counts, and it can later be confirmed as the official result once verification is complete.
What does it mean to call someone an 'unofficial leader'?
Calling someone an unofficial leader means they act with influence or authority in a group despite not holding a formally recognized title or position. The word unofficial here highlights the gap between actual influence and formal status.
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