Word
authorization
Phoneticsau·tho·riza·tion
/ˌɔθɝəˈzeɪʃən/
UK spelling · authorisation
Definitions
01official permission
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the official power or permission to do something.
n. the state of being formally granted permission or the act of conferring such power. Often uncountable in this sense.
“You cannot enter the restricted area without written authorization from the manager.”
“The project cannot proceed to the implementation phase until we receive final authorization from the board of directors.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'for' or an infinitive 'to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a permit or document
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Formal
n. a document that gives you the formal right to do something.
n. a physical or digital document that serves as a warrant or formal sanction for an action.
“The guard asked to see her travel authorization before letting her pass.”
“The inspector requested a copy of the environmental authorization to ensure the facility was operating within legal limits.”
03budgetary approval
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. official permission to spend a specific amount of money.
n. formal permission, typically legislative or administrative, to expend funds for a designated purpose.
“The department is waiting for budget authorization to hire new staff.”
“The committee granted a multi-year authorization for the infrastructure project, ensuring that funding would remain stable through the construction phase.”
Teaching tip
In government contexts, an 'authorization' often creates the legal framework for a program, while an 'appropriation' actually provides the cash.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“A hospital fully bound by HIPAA may release certain types of records without your authorization and without telling you.” “Businesses required appropriate authorization for the music they transmitted, an obligation that was frequently overlooked.”
The earliest music-on-hold players relied on endless-loop cassette cartridges.” Etymology
From authorize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/authorization