# authorization

/ˌɔθɝəˈzeɪʃən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/authorization
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. official permission

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the official power or permission to do something.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. a permit or document

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a document that gives you the formal right to do something.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. budgetary approval

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

official permission to spend a specific amount of money.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You need written authorization to enter the lab.
- The bank refused to process the transfer because the account holder had not provided the necessary authorization.
- The regulatory body granted temporary authorization for the clinical trial, provided that the researchers submitted weekly safety reports to the ethics committee.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.