unauthorized
un-AW-thuh-ryzd
/ʌnˈɔːθəraɪzd/
Not having official permission or approval from a designated authority.
Highlights the absence of sanctioned approval, particularly regarding using forbidden materials, assistance, or access.
The story behind the word. Combines the prefix 'un-' (not) with 'authorize', which derives from Latin 'auctor' (originator, leader). It entered English in the 16th century to mark actions lacking official backing.
Word relationships
- illicit: Illicit carries strong connotations of illegal or highly forbidden actions, whereas unauthorized simply lacks official permission.
- unsanctioned: Unsanctioned is virtually synonymous but sounds slightly more formal.
- authorized: Authorized means explicitly permitted by authority.
- permitted: Permitted means allowed under standard rules.
Commonly confused with
- authoritarian: Authoritarian describes strict, dictatorial enforcement, while unauthorized means lacking official permission.
Word family
- authorize (verb): To grant official permission.
- authority (noun): The power or right to give orders.
Collocations
- unauthorized assistance
- unauthorized access
- unauthorized materials
- unauthorized use
Idioms & expressions
- off limits
- without consent
Example sentences
- "Using unauthorized notes during a closed-book examination will result in an immediate zero grade." Testing Regulations
- "Unauthorized access to the university grading database was tracked to an off-campus server." Digital Security
Memory hook
UN-AUTHORIZED = UN-able to show AUTHOR permission. Lacking official permission
When not to use
Do not use to describe odd or unusual actions that break no actual rule.
Fun facts
- In online learning platforms, 'unauthorized collaboration' is the most common reason flagged by AI detection tools.
Related words
Explore more words
authorize, Unsolicited, give permission, illicit, usurp, infringement
Also appears in
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