# unelected

/ˌənɪˈɫɛktɪd/ (US) · /ʌnɪlˈɛktɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unelected
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.