Word
unelected
Phoneticsun·elect·ed
US/ˌənɪˈɫɛktɪd/
UK/ʌnɪlˈɛktɪd/
Definition
adj. describing someone who has not been chosen by the public in an election. You use this to talk about people who have power but did not win a vote.
adj. not having been chosen by the public in an election. Often used to describe officials or bodies whose authority is derived from other means, such as appointment or inheritance.
Examples
“The unelected officials made a controversial decision about the new park.”
“Critics argued that the unelected board of directors had too much power over the city's budget.”
“The transition of power from an elected president to an unelected interim administrator sparked widespread protests and calls for a constitutional review.”
Examples
simple
“The unelected officials made a controversial decision about the new park.”
contextual
“Critics argued that the unelected board of directors had too much power over the city's budget.”
complex
“The transition of power from an elected president to an unelected interim administrator sparked widespread protests and calls for a constitutional review.”
Real-World Examples
“Anas Sarwar , the former Scottish Labour leader, has taken his seat in the unelected House of Lords.”