Word
unauthorized
Phoneticsunau·tho·rized
/əˈnɔθɝˌaɪzd/
UK spelling · unauthorised
Definition
adj. not having official permission to happen or to be in a place.
adj. done or occurring without official authorization, sanction, or legal permission.
Examples
“The security guard stopped an unauthorized visitor at the gate.”
“The bank blocked the transaction because it appeared to be an unauthorized attempt to move funds.”
“The investigation revealed that several employees had gained unauthorized access to the confidential database over a period of six months, leading to a significant data breach.”
Examples
simple
“The security guard stopped an unauthorized visitor at the gate.”
contextual
“The bank blocked the transaction because it appeared to be an unauthorized attempt to move funds.”
complex
“The investigation revealed that several employees had gained unauthorized access to the confidential database over a period of six months, leading to a significant data breach.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
Teaching tip
This is a common term in legal, security, and digital contexts; it sounds much more formal than 'not allowed'.
Real-World Examples
“His unauthorised trip was discovered when he made a series of social media posts from Brazil.” “Unauthorised transfers started flowing from his crypto wallet and soon he had lost more than $166,000.” “The number of unauthorised Gypsy and traveller sites is on the rise, with developments often carried out over Bank Holiday weekends.” Etymology
From un- + authorized.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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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- Formal
QR code
englishreference.com/q/unauthorized